Nitrates

[cassidy's wishie's]

i am woundering how do i get my nitrates down because they are very high (120-160) thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

Water changes

How much water do you normally change, and how often?

Oh, to the forum, btw.

 

[cassidy's wishie's]

Water changes

How much water do you normally change, and how often?

Oh, to the forum, btw.

i change about 30% and since i got my water tested i change it twice a week is that correct?

 

[flipnshi]

Welcome to the forums..

Whats the tank size? There are four possible sources from high nitrate levels: infrequent maintenance, overfeeding, crowded tank, or bad water from the tap.
Test your water source for nitrate directly if you still have high levels then find another water source, and do a water change with it. People often overlook this aspect. Test the source if you bring it somewhere, bring a sample. People often overfeed as well, I did when I started, I think pretty much everyone did. This adds to the ammonia and nitrite levels. Is your tank fully cycled and what kind of fish do you have?
Daily water changes until you find out some results, 10 to 20 percent should suffice. Make sure to add some kind of tap conditioner if on city water for chlorine and other metals.
Do you test yourself or bring it somewhere?