How do I fix the water in a goldfish tank?

Question

Nitrate= 20 ppm
Nitrite= .5 ppm
Hardness= 300 ppm
Alkalinity= 300 ppm
pH-Freshwater= 7.8-8.4 (alkaline)

What should each be at and how do I get them to that level?

Answer 1

You don't give the level for ammonia, and this can be important as well. From the other test results, I'd say your tank is still in the cycling process.

Ideally, you want ammonia and nitrite = 0, nitrate less than 40, and pH 6-8, but it can go outside this range.

If your tank is cycling (since you've got nitrites present), you want ammonia and nitrite 0.5 or less, and ammonia less than 40.

Overall, you water quality isn't too bad. The high hardness and alkalinity are the cause of the higher pH. I've lived in areas that had water like this, and it's only a problem if you're keeping fish that need soft, acidic water. For goldfish, the water would be acceptable. I wouldn't try to change it, because this can lead to more problems with pH fluctuating up and down, than just leaving it as is. The ammonia and nitrite are the only real concern, because the nitrite is approaching the point where it will begin to cause the fish stress, and the ammonia (if present) is more toxic at higher pH. You can control both of these just by doing water changes of around 25% of the tank volume when the levels get near 0.5. Once the tank finishes cycling, you'll only need to watch the nitrates, and partial water changes will reduce these as well.

Answer 2

In all honesty, all the answers are right. I have a goldfish named Jaws and I've had him for 6 years and the only thing tat I do is take out half the water and fill it back with warm distilled water. The tank also has a filter on it that i change every 2 weeks depending on ow messy he gets. Typically goldfish are considered in the same catagory as a carp or sucker so in reallity as long as the tank isnt showing any signs of algea than he should be just fine on his own. If you o get algea than you can put an algea eater in with him. They won't bother each other. Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

well i don't know about all that but when i change my glod fish tank i put both of my fishes in a cup or seperate then dump the water and fill it up again. Then you add whatever it says on your water cleaner and stuff to it becasue it'll work in whatever size water u have or it will tell u other wise. then wait like ten minutes and put back the fish. **

Answer 4

that is the correct PH level for a goldfish tank .....

mayeb you should go to Walmart and purchase a water testing kit ... it will help you treat your water correctly