High Nitrates

[Jeewhizz]

My take currently has a nitrate level of about 80-100. Tap water has a nitrate level of about 50 (verified with water company) and so i'm looking at a hard slog to get it down.

I'm currently doing a 20% water change twice a week with some, albeit little, success.

What other options do I have? I've tried nitrasafe bags (I have 8!) and they are good, but need a lot of hassle to get into the filter etc.

I've been looking at two other options, and would like your opinions:

1) A nitrate filter that is a slow moving filter just for removing nitrate.
2) An RO Unit.

Cost isn't really a huge issue, but I don't want to be spending more than say £50-70. Would an RO Unit be better long term? I know sweet FA in regards to RO water/units. How is it connected to my water supply? DO I have to re-add any salts etc before adding to the aquarium? PH Buffers?

Cheers

 

[Paul_MTS]

Long term your best bet is upgrading your tank.

You quite a few large growing fish in your tank (listed in sig) these fish are also very messy which is probable causing the high nitrates teamed with your poor tap water.

A larger tank will dilute the waste from the fish more and there fore lower your nitrates whilst the fish are still small.

 

[Qays]

Can you tell us the following info:

-Tank size, and fish you have
-Type and make of filter

You could

-Start a planted tank
-Reduce Stocking list
-Get bigger tank for current occupants

2 water changes weekly seems like hard work.

How long has your tank had a high reading of nitrates?
If its been along time and your fish are not affected. Dont worry about it.

Fish will not show harm until nitrates are above 100

 

[andywg]

Tap water has a nitrate level of about 50 (verified with water company) and so i'm looking at a hard slog to get it down.

Can you tell us the following info:

-Test your tap water and tell us the nitrates in your tap water

B)

 

[Qays]

Hello Andy. I realised right after i posted and then editted it! Thanks though

 

[jarmado]

Hello Andy. I realised right after i posted and then editted it! Thanks though

even the tank size and fishes from the poster's signature?

 

[Jeewhizz]

Filter is a Eheim Classic 2217 which is more than adequate in my opinion.

Getting a new tank isn't really an option, but i'm more than happy to drop the tinfoils are they are getting quite large now...

I've placed some plants in the tank, but the parrots keep 're-arranging' it to their liking - plants all uprooted, floating on top!

Jee

 

[jayjay]

all those fish except maybe the catfish (what species is it?) will out grow your tank really.....

 

[Paul_MTS]

Your filtration might be adequate but your tank deffinately isn't.

Putting even the best filter on a small tank with big fish in isn't going to reduce your nitrates, because the waste from the fish is still in the water, decomposing in the filter causing nitrates.

 

[Qays]

A 25 Gallon tank shouldnt have such high waste producing fish in it like yours!

 

[Jeewhizz]

Cheers guys. I'm going to get rid of the tinfoils this week and see how it goes from there.

Jee