+1 on cleaning filters ^^, at least canister filters. They are nitrate factories. It's not a bad thing, because that is the end product of biological filtration. But the nitrates have no where else to go other than the tank, so you must remove them.
A year ago my nitrates were rising. I was only cleaning my FX5 out once a month. Found if I clean out once or twice a week with my 2 water changes a week, I can keep my nitrates below 10ppm. They were over 20ppm before. Big difference.
I'd also like to another important benefit to a larger tank is its water volume. In therory, a property stocked larger tank should require less water changes. One day I would like to do an experiment where I keep a single small fish in a large tank and test the results. Just to test how often would you need to do water changes and keep nitrates down.
A year ago my nitrates were rising. I was only cleaning my FX5 out once a month. Found if I clean out once or twice a week with my 2 water changes a week, I can keep my nitrates below 10ppm. They were over 20ppm before. Big difference.
I'd also like to another important benefit to a larger tank is its water volume. In therory, a property stocked larger tank should require less water changes. One day I would like to do an experiment where I keep a single small fish in a large tank and test the results. Just to test how often would you need to do water changes and keep nitrates down.
