Slight problem with Nitrates

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bassman24

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 2, 2008
223
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VENTURA, CA
So, I tested the water in my 75gal today and everything was good except for the Nitrates. The Nitrites were 0ppm but, Nitrates were between 80-160ppm:WHOA:. So I did about a 50% water change and now they're right at 80ppm. I'm thinking I might need better filtration but what should I do to keep these down. I just added a pretty big common pleco (10") to the tank and I've been cleaning it's waste off of the top of the water ever since. Might that have something to do with it? Anyway, how can I ensure my Nitrates stay low? Thanks!:D
 
you answered your thread. the common pleco my not be worth it. as for it will excrete the same amount it cleans. i would double your current filteration to be on the safe side and just do 20% water changes every 3 days for a week or 2.
 
bassman24;2056985; said:
So, I tested the water in my 75gal today and everything was good except for the Nitrates. The Nitrites were 0ppm but, Nitrates were between 80-160ppm:WHOA:. So I did about a 50% water change and now they're right at 80ppm. I'm thinking I might need better filtration but what should I do to keep these down. I just added a pretty big common pleco (10") to the tank and I've been cleaning it's waste off of the top of the water ever since. Might that have something to do with it? Anyway, how can I ensure my Nitrates stay low? Thanks!:D
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Did you gravel vac?
 
test your tapwater and compare it to the tank water.
over here we have nitrate in our tapwater to begin with so you can only try to keep it at the same level. The other options are a nitrate filter (which can be a pain to set up) or a plant filter.
 
prime, more frequent water changes, rodi water, less feeding, take out uneaten food or reduce bioload ... these will all help lower nitrate problems
 
I would do all of this gradualy and def. Kick the claeaning schedule up. I clean my tanks twice a week at 50% - 75% depending on the tank and how overstocked it is. Of course you may know this but your readings will also be affected by feeding. So you may want to monitor that schedule and coordinate your feedings closer to your cleaning. JMO>>>

How big are your cichla? And how many cichla?
 
Unless you are adding mechanical filtration that is cleaned on a weekly basis, better or more filtration will not help lower your nitrate levels. Basically, the best way to lower nitrate levels is with water changes and frequent cleaning of all mechanical media(this includes vacuuming the gravel).

Understanding of the nitrogen cycle would help too.
 
Bderick67;2057564; said:
Unless you are adding mechanical filtration that is cleaned on a weekly basis, better or more filtration will not help lower your nitrate levels. Basically, the best way to lower nitrate levels is with water changes and frequent cleaning of all mechanical media(this includes vacuuming the gravel).

Understanding of the nitrogen cycle would help too.
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Well said. Thanks Brian.
 
I guess I will just have to up my water changes to twice a week at about 30%, by the way all my water changes are done with the gravel vaccum so I clean the substrate while I drain. Also, like PeacockBass said the plecostomus us actually making things a bit worse. He did clean all the algae build up off of everything but he just craps too much! He might be leaving soon. The solution to pollution is dillution right? Thanks guys.
 
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