Okay, I just can't solve this problem. I have a 50 gallon tank right? The Nitrate is very high. I've been doing massive water changes, and at most every two days I've been doing them. Whenever I do the water change I add the conditioner, the PH 8.2, and I WAS using AmQuel + to remove the Nitrates, but it didn't work so I've been using Prime, but that isn't doing anything either. I'm have no idea what to do.
Massive Nitrate problem
- Thread starter CHOX
- Start date
How many fishes? Maybe you've too/too large fishes...Try with more frequently change of water, or try the Dennerle, it works very well.
It would help to know what is in your tank & how your tank large it is, what is your WC schedule & what is your nitrate in the tank & from the tap. You should never use Amquel, unless you have an ammonia spike from a crashed system, as it messes with your tanks bioligical bacteria.
What is Dennerle?
What is Dennerle?
At first my water was fine, and it was for about six months. I have to admit I wasn't following a very good water change schedule, it was about once every two to three weeks. I'll test the water again and get a definite number. And another thing that is bugging me, and I know its probably not a big deal, is I have a lot of bubbles forming at the top of my tank. I do have a bubble wand and an airstone in my tank, but before they never just lingered at the top of the tank. Add this to the fact that my Electric Blue looks like crap (I'll try to get pictures) I'm just really starting to worry about my tank. Everything it alright except the Nitrate and Electric Blue, but, I worry.
Today, on my way to work, I was thinking about buying one (or more) of those little cups things that attach to tanks (the ones they use in fish stores to bag fish), and drilling a bunch of little holes in it, filling it with gravel and growing bamboo or something in it. I"d blow a powerhead at it, to make sure water circulates in it. I know this would help remove some nitrates, but I have no idea to what extent, but it wouldn't hurt.
if you're nitrates are so high, its a good indicator of an overstocked tank.
if you're nitrates are so high, its a good indicator of an overstocked tank.
Okay, maybe its time to give some fish to my buddy. He got me into the hobby in a while back, and has a lot of big tanks. He said when they outgrew my tank he'd start taking them. I've also heard that if a fish is in the tank while the nitrates are high they'll be okay? It doesn't sound right, but if I keep them in there are they eventually going to die? And this is the picture of my fish I was talking about. I was hoping it was just a burn.
And his fins weren't all messed up until this afternoon.
And his fins weren't all messed up until this afternoon.
I live in Monrovia, CA my tap water tests betwwen 20-40 ppm nitrate there is nothing I can do about it!
I have just been through this so I might be able to help. I have the same problem. Its not that your tank is over stocked or that you are not changing your water enough. I do a 25% every 2 weeks and still my nitrates are at 40 ppm. I got some good advice from our fellow mfkers and they suggested adding some plants. The plants need nitrates to survive so in theory your plants will do well and your nitrate levels will go down. That is what I am going to try anyway. Keep me up to date on what you try and if you make any progress.
I think the water plants have started doing a new process because my water was for the most part in good shape. It wasen't until recently that I started having nitrate issues.
I think the water plants have started doing a new process because my water was for the most part in good shape. It wasen't until recently that I started having nitrate issues.