Nitrate Shock

[gobucks1]

At my girlfriend's mom's school there is a 55 gallon tank with two (from what i can grasp based on how she described them) gold severums. The company that used to service them went out of business a while ago and they haven't been serviced in nearly 3 months.

They have enlisted me, in order to earn my community service hours, to maintain the tank every 1.5 weeks. I go tomorrow for the first day, and i have a few questions about nitrate shock.

I know how to change water, as i've been doing it for years, but these fish haven't had clean water in months. How much can i change? I really don't want to kill these fish, as that wouldn't be making the best impression.

If i change too much, do i risk killing them with kindness?

Nitrate shock?


Thanks,

Will

 

[Zander_The_RBP]

by changing the water you risk altering the pH of the tank water too much this tank has been sitting for 3 months, that long without water changes and Old tank syndrome kicks in. the by product of the nitrogen cycle is the production of acids that gradualy drop the pH of the tank, i suggest starting off small (25% water changes ) and working your way up so that the fish get used to the new pH (maybe increase the amount by 5% each water change until you reach 50%)

so there is no such thing as nitrate shock but there is such a thing as pH shock

 

[Pharaoh]

I wouldn't do more than 25%.

 

[gobucks1]

by changing the water you risk altering the pH of the tank water too much this tank has been sitting for 3 months, that long without water changes and Old tank syndrome kicks in. the by product of the nitrogen cycle is the production of acids that gradualy drop the pH of the tank, i suggest starting off small (25% water changes ) and working your way up so that the fish get used to the new pH (maybe increase the amount by 5% each water change until you reach 50%)

so there is no such thing as nitrate shock but there is such a thing as pH shock

Thanks for the advice. There is a such thing as nitrate shock though.

I wouldn't do more than 25%.

Thanks, will do.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

Yes, there is such a thing as nitrate shock, you're right. In the case of that tank I'd probably change out 15 gallons then go back 3 days later and do the same a few times. Then go with 25% and a week later start regular 50% water changes. Every single poster is going to have a different opinion though.

 

[gobucks1]

Yes, there is such a thing as nitrate shock, you're right. In the case of that tank I'd probably change out 15 gallons then go back 3 days later and do the same a few times. Then go with 25% and a week later start regular 50% water changes. Every single poster is going to have a different opinion though.

Well the problem is, i can only really have access to the tank every 2 or so weeks, with her mom's schedule, the school schedule, my school schedule, there are very few times we can get together and change the water and maintain the filters.

Around 20-25% seems to be the consensus though.

Thanks.