On the topic of Oscar nitrates

[convict360]

Hi guys, a sometimes popular and controversial topic is that of nitrates and water change frequency in Oscar tanks. I thought I'd add some info to the topic by making this thread to monitor nitrates as I perform weekly water changes.

Current set up is 92 gallon tank, 1 Oscar (6 inches), 5 silver dollars, 2 giant danios, 2 tiger barbs.

Water changes involve one 33% change per week, of approximately 115 litres.

First test pics for nitrates below, performed before weekly water change.

This may seem like simple stuff to a lot of people, but its continually debated, so it'll be interesting to see the results as the Oscar gets bigger.

 

[justarn]

subbed!-)

 

[Benno87]

Good thread mate, I'll be watching it.

 

[jaws7777]

Interested...sub'd
One thing to add though allot more than just nitrates are removed with wc's. I tjink nitrares are like a baseline that we all measure the frequency of wc's with.

 

[convict360]

Update, same water change schedule, Oscar sitting at approximately 6 inches. 6 silver dollars still in tank, recent addition includes bulldog spotted pleco, pic below, for safety sake could call it 20ppm; what do you guys think?

 

[Manu8__too]

Cool thread. I think you'll find your nitrate levels will continue to rise as your Oscar gets bigger. 6" is still very small for an Oscar.

 

[RD.]

There's really no debate, elevated levels of nitrates and dissolved organic compounds places stress on a fish. The only debate in the equation is how much stress, which will vary from species to species, and from one individual to another. Even the life stage of the fish can change the end result.

The bottom line is that to most fish, in particular this species, there is no such thing as too clean of water, or too many water changes.

 

[pops]

goal is never over 20ppm. at 23ppm internal long term DMG starts happening. This the rule I run by.

as for the test kit. any hint of dark orange or red is water change time. I do nothing but fin level. you can not change to much water with Oscars. matter fact same goes for jags JD and all large
SA. IMHO

 

[qguy]

Do you measure volume of food given ?. What filter do you have ?

 

[convict360]

Remember that the point of this thread is to gather evidence on nitrates etc, up till now it's been a lot of discussion; which is fantastic, but for the benefit of many Oscar keepers out there I feel they (and I) would benefit from actual testing like this.

It's not agreeing or disagreeing with anyone, if anything its to establish what to expect in a 90 gallon set-up with Oscar and dithers.

Right now the evidence suggests that for a 6 inch Oscar, 33% water change would probably suffice in a 90 gallon. It's almost guaranteed that I'll be expecting to do double this as the Oscar grows