Nitrate Issue

[boxman]

I bought a ram a couple of days ago and she was fine for a day or so but this evening she was just being pushed about by the waterflow, looking very weak.

I tested the water and the tests were

PH 7.75 to 8.25 (sorry, not accurate test kit)
Amonia 0.8
Nitrate 75
Nitrite 0.0

I've done a 50% water change just now. There was a fair bit of algae on the bogwood which I've removed.

Any ideas on what I can do to get the water back to normal would be really helpful! Thanks

 

[WILDER]

Your nitrate wan't fetching down abit, is she bloated, any flicking and rubbing or heavy breathing, can she maintain her balance in the water.

 

[boxman]

Well, that's another story, she died but down to another reason - I'm very gutted and it's my fault.

Anyway, the other fish seem fine (added 3 ottos last week, all 1/2" and they're fine) but I don't want it to start effecting the other fish.

Is there anything I can do to get these levels down?

 

[WILDER]

Need to no tank size, fish and how many, how often you maintain the filter and tank, what filter, and what is your nitrate from the tap reading, live plants are good for reducing nitrate levels.

 

[boxman]

Tank size is 22g - 30x15x12".

Levels have been perfect for 2 months until I went away on holiday, when I came back (2 weeks ago) levels were

PH 8.25 (sorry, not accurate test kit)
Amonia 0.1
Nitrate 25
Nitrite 0.0

Filter is fluval 204 and an undergravel filter with powerhead.

I don't know the nitate from tap but PH is 8 to 8.25.

 

[WILDER]

Was anybody feeding the fish for you, can i look at your stock in fish as it plays abig part in to what going on, won't shout at you if your'e overstocked, lol,

 

[WILDER]

Seen stock now in sig sorry, plecs are big waste producers, i would do another gravel vac and your sponge might wan't a rinse in some old tank water.

 

[boxman]

Feeding was kept at a good level, sponges are always cleaned in old canister water, both pl*cs are V small (1.5" each) and as I said the otos are VV small (1/3").

Tank not overstocked with current fish sizes (for sure). Siphoned tank when I did 50% change.

I'm pretty sure I've been doing everything right but it's just this spike that's caused a bit of concern.

 

[WILDER]

I don't rate undergravel filter at all had them, and pulled them out, can you test your tap water in nitrate,take two samples of your tank nitrate, from the top of the tank, and try and get the second sample from the bottom in the gravel

 

[boxman]

Sure, I'll have to do that tomorrow as I've got to go to bed.

Thanks wilder, been a bit of a stressful day!!!

With regards to the UG filter I've heard many opinions on it and just thought if I used a 204 (excessive for my tank) along with the UG then it should be more than enough for the tanks needs.

Will post results tomorrow, thanks again!

 

[WILDER]

Ok, good night.