Nitrate increased after wc?!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
ShadowBass said:
Either the test is bad or you didn't do it right. A good liquid nitrate kit will go bad eventually, I've had it happen several times over the years. The strips will never be accurate. So, either way, I'd recommend buying a brand new API liquid nitrate kit from a store with a lot of turnover (so it hasn't been sitting on the shelf for years), because something is wrong.

There's no way your nitrates will go up like that right after a water change, unless your tap water is higher in nitrates than your tank, and since your kit isn't even showing consistent numbers for your tapwater, it's likely a wrong reading.
Click to expand...

I had to make sure so therefore I went out and got a kit JUST for nitrate. It was none of the nitrate reading tools... It was something else that was right infront of me? o.O
 
My filter was extremely clogged up! It decided to do an early maintenance and omg, was it filthy! I cleaned that bad boy (fx5) up and then did a 50% wc. I hope after 24 hours the nitrates will go down. I also read that API NITRA-ZORB works well for reducing nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia which the latter two isn't a concern. Please let me know if anyone of you guys ever used or heard if it works because if after 24 hours the nitrates does not go down, I'm thinking of adding the size 6 pouch to in my canister. Thanks so much guys !
 
wow, you can even recharge the nitra-zorb pouch: "Recharging Instructions: Dissolve 4 tablespoons (80 g) of non-iodized salt in 8 fl oz (240 ml) of warm water. Do not use boiling water. Soak the pouch in the saltwater solution for two hours and rinse in tap water. The pouch is now ready to re-use." you think you can use the API aquarium salt for that ?
 
Guys!
I would highly recommend using atleast some floating plants in your tanks , that way the supply water coming in with high nitrates can be mitigated to some extent.
Also stop feeding for a day or two till you get this sorted.

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My tank is already planted with about 7-8 bundles of different lps. But if I go with your latter decision, one my of fishes might end up as dinner...Trust me, it will happen. I think nitra-zorb is my best option at the time. SIDE NOTE: I never over feed my fishes to the point of increasing nitrates. My tap water reads in the 20ppms so its really difficult for me to reduce it by doing consecutive water changes. I will continue to do weekly 20% wc but after 24 hours, if the nitrates don't drop I will add NITRA-ZORB into my canister. Reviews (although skeptical of them) recommend that it works surprisingly well.. I hope I can get the same results. But at the same time, it would not hurt to try. My fishes are more important than stupid $10.
 
Do keep us posted how nitra zorb works.
Btw any suggestions on heavy feeding terrestrial plants which can soak up nitrates ?

Wouldn't activated carbon be equally effective in removing nitrates ?

( bulk qty is also available with drinking water processing folks)

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hey
Here's an idea , make a air driven box filter and put your nitra zorb in it. Much easier to take out for recharges than from a canister.
Also can pop into a power filter chamber if the size fits.

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I doubt carbon does anything or much about nitrate. I researched another product called "de-nitrate" from Dr. foster and smith's website. The reviews look stellar as well but I always remain skeptical about reviews. Anyways, which ever I can get my hands on first with the cheapest price will definitely be my first choice of experiment. Hope it works... >.>
 
Nitrazorb is almost identical to carbon or carbon resins. When I got my xp4 it came with some, and it was okay, but it will not reduce nitrates, imo all that stuff is kinda gimicky intended for those who will buy into a quick fix instead of good ole fashioned cleaning and wc..... When I ran them it never had any difference on my n03 levels, although the water was pretty crisp. Not to mention it will soak ur Bw up, no matter how much u add. Try adding more bio and make sure u shake the bottles till ur hand falls off. I've never had an api test kit go bad.

A dirty filter will leach n03, especially if it had used media already in it.


Go S. Vettel #1 rb8
 
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