2007-03-27 07:19:11 · 9 answers · asked by laxchik1117 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Gravel Vac 20% water changes weekly or at the longest, every other week.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776778&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030123&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1175028567658&itemNo=1&In=Fish&N=2030123&Ne=2
2007-03-27 09:49:47 · answer #1 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water Changes. Nitrate is the end point of the waste decomposition biological cycle. You are responsible for nitrate removal via water changes in an enclosed system like an aquarium. Chemicals are not appropriate to use to reduce nitrates since they're you're responsability to remove via fresh water.
Nitrate sponges and similar products are only to be used when you have tap water or well water that's nitrate rich before it enters the fish tank.
If you have a planted tank & nitrates are through the roof, prune your dead leaves from the undersides of the plants. You would be surprised how much nitrate & phosphate rotting leaves create.
2007-03-27 11:14:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called a gravel vacuum/siphon. Food = nitrates there isn't anyway around it. Nitrate will build up in your tank no chemical can stop that. Sure there are things that will bind to the nitrates, but then that will start building up. Removing water is the only thing that stops it.
PS- Note that less food = less nitrate so not over feeding helps.
PPS- Your tanks biological filter converts ammonia, and nitrites into nitrate. This is good as nitrate is about x20 less toxic.
2007-03-27 10:24:10 · answer #3 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best product is fresh water changes - cheap, and healthy for the fish in all ways.
If you have a problem with high nitrates in your tap water, then filter media designed to neutralize the nitrates is the next best option. They are readily available by a number of companies. The downfall is that they aren't cheap and need to be replaced regularly.
There are additives you can use as well, but I don't recommend dumping chemicals into the tank, better to use an absorbent media.
2007-03-27 07:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water changes.
If nitrate levels are high so are other, unmeasurable, waste products & just using nitrate removers will leave these present.
2007-03-27 07:23:47 · answer #5 · answered by sue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water changes. Replace at least 20% of the water once a week.
2007-03-27 07:29:04 · answer #6 · answered by Tapioca 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nitrate-B-Gone.
2007-03-27 07:23:28 · answer #7 · answered by Naruto #1 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
BETTER biological filtration.
LESS food.
Water changes.
Stay away from chemicals if you can.
2007-03-27 10:10:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately API Niatra-Zorb..it works really well, removing most, if not all
2007-03-27 07:27:55 · answer #9 · answered by evil_loony_leo 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋