No3 levels through the roof

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wild bill

wild bill

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Apr 4, 2010
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three hills,ab. canada
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The last couple of days every time I do a water change the no3 level goes high. What could be causing this our one tank I must have completely changed the water twice n the last week. We are adding prime every time but it seems some tanks will not suffer this problem what gives?
 
Have you tested the nitrate level of the water you are adding to the tank? Perhaps the water you are adding is loaded with nitrates.
 
I was thinking that but why would our water suddenly change as this is water that is for the whole town to drink. It also only happened in some tanks that is what is so baffling.
 
wild bill said:
I was thinking that but why would our water suddenly change as this is water that is for the whole town to drink. It also only happened in some tanks that is what is so baffling.
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Nitrate levels in many water supplies vary throughout the year. Levels are particularly high during late fall and early winter when plant growth slows down.
 
That was something we never considered. Then how does a person lower it if this is the case as the nitrate was over 160 and some of our fish are gasping. In 2 of the tanks a water changed helped but the 180g wich I have done the most changes on they are still breathing hard. Could this be caused by a bacteria crash and then again why one tank and not another.
 
I would test the tap water for nitrates. If the nitrates in your tap water are high, you may have to get a reverse osmosis system.
 
Ouch that hurts if this is only a temporary problem. But how come not every tank is effected by the water changes that still baffles me.
 
maybe treat the water before you put it in and then treat again when you add into the tank (so it would be treated twice... 1st time hopefully lower everything and then the 2nd hit to the whole batch in the tank)
 
I seriously doubt that you are getting any type of nitrates out of your tap in your area, but the only way to know is to test the tap water itself.
 
Well if anyone would know if our water was high in nitrates it would be you R.D. so I am assuming you have not had this problem. In all but one tank asecond bigger water change seemed to cure the problem. We have a missing pleco in that tank if it died in the caves could that cause this problem?
 
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