(im using a color comarpison chart... its really difficult to tell)
how many gallons should i replace to make my tank healthier?
my ammonia and nitrite are both at 0mg/l.
2007-04-01 10:41:44 · 5 answers · asked by christina 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
(the tank is an established 9 month old... it just hasnt been kept clean very well)
2007-04-01 11:05:20 · update #1
First, bacteria will NOT lower your nitrate level. Ever, no matter how long you wait. 40 is not really a problem for a freshwater tank really, but 80 is getting a bit high. I would suggest you do a 25% water change and that should lower it enough to not be any problem at all. 25% would turn a reading of 40 into a 30 or an 80 reading into a 60 for example. With both ammonia and nitrites at 0 it sounds like you have a quite healthy tank. Check your tap water before changing water as well to be sure it's not too high in nitrates. It's not uncommon for tap water to contain some, especially this time of year.
Since the tank is established, the high level is probably just due to the lack of maintenance you mention. A 25% per week change will bring the levels back into check and keep them there.
You might also try adding a few plants. Floating plants wold be especially good. They will feed off of the nitrates and help keep the level lower for you.
MM
2007-04-01 11:04:52 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
No more than 20% at a time with the gravel vac. In your case, it will probably take more than two cleanings. I'd do one, wait 24 hours, then do a second and wait 48 hours. If needed, do a third. If a fourth is needed (not likely) wait 24 hours again after the 3rd.
2007-04-01 20:04:19 · answer #2 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try giving your tank a 20% water change. Make sure the water as been detoxified.
2007-04-01 18:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't add any more fish for a while and check your Nitrate level a couple of times per week.
When the bacteria in your tank and filter grow enough they will feed off of the nitrate and it will drop.
Every time you add livestock the nitrate will rise a little.
Do not overfeed and Do Not add too many fish at one time.
Be patient and you will have a lovely, HEALTHY aquarium.
2007-04-01 17:55:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Holy crap call the sewage plant!
Are you shure it isn't 40 and 80 ppm ?
2007-04-01 20:27:37 · answer #5 · answered by Chelsea I 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋