What am I doing wrong? Help please!!

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michael

michael

Tri-State Fish Hoarder
MFK Member
Nov 3, 2005
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Finally got a nitrate test kit and I tested way out of reason!! I did it twice and same both times, the nitrates are DANGEROUSLY high. The ammonia is 0, ph 7, and nitrie 0. I have 2 eheim 2250 canisters and a tidepool2 wet/dry for filtration and UV in there too! OK so I have been nervous because a few fish seem to have got HITH. I guess I know why. I have been, for almost two months now, been doing weekly gravel cleans and 30% water changes. No fish have died in some time, since my tigrinus :( about 2 months ago. they are all eating fine and seem OK except for the HITH on the aros and gars. What do I need to do to reduce the nitrate levels dramatically. Don't know how long it has been like this. Probably too many fish in the tank I guess.... Too much waste maybe....? Probably should feed every other day.....?
 
larger and/or more frequent water changes. :thumbsup: I'd start doing 40-50% water changes every 3 days or so until the nitrates come down to a normal level and the HITH goes away. then try doing a single 50% weekly water change but if the nitrates start to rise again you may have to do 2 water changes weekly or get rid of some fish. too many fish in the tank (producing lots of waste) and uneaten food are usually what will lead to excessively high nitrates. :)
 
What do you consider dangerously high?
 
Is 160ppm dangerously high?? I'm pretty sure it is and thats what the tank registered twice....
 
michael said:
Finally got a nitrate test kit and I tested way out of reason!! I did it twice and same both times, the nitrates are DANGEROUSLY high. The ammonia is 0, ph 7, and nitrie 0. I have 2 eheim 2250 canisters and a tidepool2 wet/dry for filtration and UV in there too! OK so I have been nervous because a few fish seem to have got HITH. I guess I know why. I have been, for almost two months now, been doing weekly gravel cleans and 30% water changes. No fish have died in some time, since my tigrinus :( about 2 months ago. they are all eating fine and seem OK except for the HITH on the aros and gars. What do I need to do to reduce the nitrate levels dramatically. Don't know how long it has been like this. Probably too many fish in the tank I guess.... Too much waste maybe....? Probably should feed every other day.....?
Click to expand...

You're definitley overstocked if your talking about your 300G? Cut back on feeding, more water changes, less fish.....
 
You can try and adding aquarium salts, this will help reduce your nitrates fairly quickly. Also check your filters, maybe you need to give them some attention too??

Before the two months ago when you started weekly water changes what were you doing before???? To keep a tank clean you need to do regular water changes and gravel washes, meaning weekly at least 1/3 your water. but over stocked i would even consider twice a week.
 
I do have aquarium salt in this tank at 1 tblspn for every 5gs. I will try adding some plants and see if that works but.... even my small tank has high nitrates and there's only 4 small 3" fish in it. My tap gives off 20-40ppm before it hits the tank. I always use stress coat when adding tap water. Don't know what else to do. I will first do a 50% water change when I get home as well as ad some live plants and check my filtration.
 
It seems you are doing right but something is acting as a resivour for nitrates. You can try changing the pads and rinsing the media in your filters, make sure you wipe down the inside of the casing as well. Do them a few days apart.
 
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