Nitrate Level??

[mifty12]

Hi Guys

I am struggling to get my nitrate levels down, at the mo they are at 60 and i have been doing 20% waterchanges for the last four days and they don't seem to be shifting, would it pay me to do one big water change and if so how much bearing in mind it is a 240 Ltr tank which is stocked.

Cheers


Just

 

[freddyk]

Have you checked the nitrates of your tap water. It can, especially over there in your part of the world, contain high nitrates already, in which case no amount of water changes will help!

If your tap water does prove to contain nitrates, don't worry about it - 60 is fine for all but the most delicate of freshwater fish.

 

[mifty12]

Thanks

I haven't got time to check now cos i'm on my way to work but i'll have a look at my tap water when i get home and see what the levels are straight from the tap.

Just for reference tho what would you say would be the safest, largest amount of water to change whilst the tank is still occupied ?






Just

 

[Nospherith]

Just for reference tho what would you say would be the safest, largest amount of water to change whilst the tank is still occupied ?

Depends on the species you have in there but maybe 80%ish if the pH, hardness and temp are all the same. I wouldn't do that routinely and don't quote me on that. However, I've read many people do 50% water changes at least once a week. There was also a person breeding discus that had to change their fry-tank water 90% everday.

Live plants will also help with your nitrate problem. They feed on Nitrate and will drop the levels significantly if enough plants are acquired. So much to the point of where you may even have to start dosing it.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

i agree live plants are realy good for nitrates or at least so i've heard(thankfully don't have to put up with high nitrates from my tap water), if your tap water is coming out that high though i'd stay away from delicate fish as said, like panda corys and neon tetras?

 

[colinco]

Nitrazorb from your LFS will bring it down to zero within a fortnight if you recharge it every other day.

Otherwise 60ppm will be fine for most general community, however you will see a marked improvement in your fishes general health if you do lower it...

 

[tttnjfttt]

Nitrazorb from your LFS will bring it down to zero within a fortnight if you recharge it every other day.

I've always been told that you want to avoid any rapid changes in water chemistry, even if it is for the better. Wouldn't it be better to slowly add the nitrazorb (if he decides to go this route)?

Also, how high does the nitrate test kit you are using go to? I know when i was dealing wtith my mom's very neglected betta, the nitrates in his tank were off the chart high. I did small partial water changes for about a week before i had really made a dent in it.