Nitrate Level Through The Roof

[sut]

looking for some help please.
i cleaned my tank about a week ago and cleaned the filter ( in the used water removed from the tank ) as i understand this is what shuld be done.
now within a week i have had several fish die and have checked my water to find all is good apart from my nitrate levels that are above 160ppm

how do i sort this is it a case of leave it to get better or again do the tank although this seems to have created the issue in the first place,

any advice would be great thanks

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Do a couple of large water changes. Water changes are really the only way to get rid of nitrates.

 

[Ruskull]

Feed much less. Do big water changes with the nitrate that high...............

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

These members are both right. Definitely do a large water change. How did you rinse the filter? Did you dip the filter in the water? Did you pour some on the filter? I know if you're not gentle enough you can wash away some of your beneficial bacteria....Try adding some Seachem Prime as well. Just make sure you don't overdose!

 

[ian]

And the next thing you do is throw the n03 test kit in the bin...they remain to this day the most unreliable hobby test kit.

 

[CezzaXV]

How many fish do you have in your tank and what size is it?

May also be worth testing your tap water, even if you've tested it before.

 

[Gilli]

As long as your ammonia and nitrite levels are both at 0 dont panic - they are the most important readings! Do a 70% water change and take everything out of your tank - ornaments and plants (as long as they are not rooted)and give the gravel a really good vac deep clean. Cut right back on feeding because high nitrates can be caused by uneaten food. Keep doing large weekly water changes and clean the gravel well and it should fall.

Some people have high readings in their tap water to start with. Dont overfeed and if you increase live plants they will use some of it up too.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

And as always which test kit are you using?

 

[zain611]

I think i have a similar problem although my nitrates look about 40ppm but i know i have to to water changes and my nitrites and ammonia is 0ppm which is great as i never knew about the tank cycling before i got tropical fish

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

And the next thing you do is throw the n03 test kit in the bin...they remain to this day the most unreliable hobby test kit.

This is also true. How old is the kit? I've never heard of NO3 levels being so high. Ever. It's completely possible that it's erroneous. Go find something cheap, quick, and compare the results