[Technium]

ok I think my tanks cycled properly, the nitrite and Ammonia levels are 0 which is good but im still having problems with Nitrate. Im doing a 15% water change every other day but still no joy. I also have 2 Nitrate sachets in my external canister to help with nitrate levels but again no joy. This has been 3 weeks now, the fish are all fine and I always remove unwanted food straight away, I also have two plecos 1 x 13" and 1 x 4" to clean the tank and 5 rbps in a 60G tank.

What else can I do, do plants or anything increase of decrease nitrate, is nitrate problems only solved by water changes if so does that mean Im going to do a water change every other day for the rest of their lives??

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

T

 

[DonH]

Test the nitrate level of your water source. How different is it compared to your tanks?

I assume when you say nitrate sachets, you are talking about nitrate removing resins. They need to be "recharged" in a strong salt solution if you are going to reliably use it. That makes putting them in a canister filter a pain... The duration between recharging depends on your current nitrate level. You will have to monitor nitrates and if it starts to increase... than it's time to recharge. They really aren't necessary unless your tap also has high nitrates. If your water source is good, then I would just stick to the water changes. You will need a LOT of plants to even put a significant dent in nitrates.

BTW, you never mentioned how high your nitrates are... what do you consider "high"?

 

[Grosse Gurke]

BTW, you never mentioned how high your nitrates are... what do you consider "high"?

This is what I was going to ask because some people are under the misconception that nitrates should be 0.

 

[Technium]

my dip test thingy has levels between 0 -125p/mg and my tank is on 75p/mg. Im in the uk so not sure if these readings are the same format as anywhere else, anyway thats the readings im getting and I thought my Nitrates should be between 25 - 50. Also you mention recharging the nitrate sachets, how do I do this, ive lost the instruction manual telling me how to do it.

Also does anyone have those test kits Interpet Easy Test Master Kit that have 4 vials with it that test nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and PH as Ive lost the instructions for that also and need to know how to use the others other than Nitrate test.

Thanks in advance

T

 

[nitrofish]

if your trying to get nitrates to zero youll never be able to do it. what are your readings right now?

 

[nitrofish]

I never seen a normal test kit go above 80 ppm

 

[Technium]

Sorry I thought I said, my Nitrates now are 75p/mg and im doing water changes every other day at 15%, also my Nitrite and Ammonia is 0 so the biolfiltration is fine.

thanks

T

 

[Grosse Gurke]

Test your tap water...water changes should delute the ppm by the amount of water you change.