Question About Nitrate Levels?

[mrcobrajet]

If you have a tank that has high nitrate levels from over stocking (to many fish for the tank size)...And the nitrite and ammonia level are OK though...  Will having 2 filters which will double the media help this problem by have twice the BIO media for the good bacteria to live in?
THANX
Scott  

 

[cowboy507]

What is high levels? It probably will not be a problem. Adding a second filter may not be best, this will increase your output and could cause some distress for some fish that like slower moving water. The only way to get rid of excess nitrates is water change or lots of plants...

 

[techen]

As above, Two filters will only increase nitrate outputs. More waterchanges and add live plants. Also, Don't have a overstocked tank. It's not good for the fish.

 

[CezzaXV]

No, it won't help. The bacteria in the filter convert ammonia into nitrate, but there is nothing in there that converts nitrate to nitrogen gas. Therefore adding another filter will make no difference at all.
 
The only thing for it is to either lose some fish, or do more frequent/bigger water changes.
 
I know they do nitrate reactors for marine tanks. I don't know if they do ones that would work in a freshwater tank, but maybe worth a look into.

 

[mrcobrajet]

THANX