nitrates off the scale

[chishnfips]

I checked the nitrates on my tank the other day, and they are well off the scale and my ph is down to about 5.

I did a 50% water change and also changed over one of the filter pads and took out a clay pipe that was for decoration (as I had a feeling this would not be helping) and I used some stress zyme to increase the biological filter.

What else is there that I can do, would more plants help.

I know that there is a condition called old tank syndrome that can do this, but all my other parameters are fine. I was also wondering how often you need to change the gravel in your tank. I vac it all the time but I have had the same gravel for 5 years.


Oh yeah and I posted in my profile that its a 10 gallon tank, but its actually 14 gallons.

Cheers folks. Tim

 

[WILDER]

Small tanks are hard to keep stable, not as forgiving as large tanks, whats your nitrate reading in your tap water, what fish and how many, is your filter up to the job.

 

[chishnfips]

I have a fluval 2 plus filter,

Tank:
3 xray tetras
1 small bala shark (soon to be moved, everyone)
1 danio (now)
and three guppies

I haven't checked the tap water yet, but they surely wouldn't be that high would they?

 

[WILDER]

How big is the tank, and how big is the shark as this might be the problem why you have high nitrates.
http/species.fishindex.com/species_2895b...bala_shark.html

 

[chishnfips]

the tank is 24x 12 x 18 (inches)

and the bala is about 3 inches now.
I think I might just have to get rid of him.

 

[WILDER]

I think you are going to have to get some one to take him off your hand, if you can't get him the right size tank,keep doing water changes, your filter will not be coping with a fish that size.

 

[chishnfips]

who would take him?

 

[WILDER]

Try an lfs they might take him off you for a lower price.

 

[chishnfips]

ok will try that, thanks very much for the info.

What about the gravel needing changed, does it matter how long you have it?

 

[WILDER]

As long as it's gravel vac weekly it should be fine, clean top half if you won't but leave the bottom in that's where your bacteria colony is.

 

[chishnfips]

cool cheers wilder

 

[chishnfips]

does anyone know how the clay pipe wouold affect the parameters of the tank?

Would it make the water acidic?