your videos have seriously helped me so much in my freshwater tank adventure, and made my entire experience so much more enjoyable, and so much less frustrating. thank you so much!!!
Thank you! I was doing my water changes, fully planted my tank, and still had problems. The filter was my missing link! Never thought much about it, cleaned the sponge and replaced carbon every other to third water change. I now see that it needs more maintenance than I was devoting to it.
I’m new to aquariums and have started a 5 gallon planted tank with 10 male endler livebearer and tiny shrimp-I purchased 30 but only see 4-8 .. my question what else is there to do with the filters? I just watched a video that said to add a used unwashed filter and the beneficial bacteria will eliminate nitrates and nitrites this video says to ass new filters. Another said never change filters on water change days. I’m confused !
I always have a hard time finding good info for what levels my nitrates should be at. Just recently I had a spike (I added lots of plants) and the reassurance that my water changes will help/fix them was super helpful!
👉👈🙆♀️ Chloe 🤔. Question.. Betta Flow🐠 isn't past 3 days. Traveling 1 hr today Petsmart but wunder if your tank & plants working. Morning from sunny Northern California. 🙆♀️
Test the water out of the tap. A whole lot of times if you have high nitrates and seems like you can't do anything about it, its coming from the water supply and not your tank. If its the water supply then doesn't matter what you are doing to knock it down,, you are going to have high nitrates with every water change.
fell asleep waiting for you to get to the point.... most people already know its bad for their fish so just get to what the title says. for anyone who wants to know skip to 4 mins and 40 seconds.
Mike.....I’ve been lurking all over UA-cam fish, planted aquarium and product review vids for about a year now. I rarely post anywhere. Gotta say....I like your vids most. Great stuff and love your casualness. Keep it up.
Thank you for this helpful video I've recently taken over my dads 52.8 gallon fish tank as he passed away suddenly so I'm a complete newbie, I started by giving the gravel a proper clean and scraping the algae off the glass I then changed filters and did a large water change (his tank was almost green before I started) you can now enjoy a lovely clear watered fish tank and have purchased few shrimp and pleccies to help maintain the algae so far I've managed to get all the water levels perfect except no3 which is off the charts, my guppies and mollies are still breeding and the other fish seem to be happy but just can't get n°3 to be an acceptable level so this is really helpful thank you
Also, for any newbies listening, make sure that if you clean your floss/sponge media from your canister filters, always rinse them in the dirty tank water that you removed, and not in water from the tap/sink.
So helpful! I've owned tanks for years and worked from a 10 gallon to a 55 gallon, recently nitrates have been harder to manage and i wasn't sure what i was doing was correct. Thankfully after watching this I feel much more confident with managing my nitrates.
Great points including water changes, plants, and filter maintenance....but I think you omitted gravel vacuuming in the fish only tank or tank with few rooted plants as the gravel can become a 'nitrate factory'. (Actually, fine gravel or sand is a much better substrate so 'gunk' doesn't get down under. I prefer silica [pool filter] sand.). Also, although not as popular these days, undergravel filters can be very bad. Also, you might encourage viewers to test their source water for nitrates. It is not uncommon in agricultural areas to have high nitrates in source (especially well) water. (I have to filter my water through denitrate resin before using for water changes!) A final tip: Feed high quality fish food as it will result in less fish waste (and less fish waste can result in lower nitrates). Many fish foods use fishmeal and copious amounts of grain starch as filler/binder. Fish can't process grains and it just passes through as excess waste.
Hey, Im new to fishkeeping, which foods are high quality? I have frozen foods, and am going to breed brine shrimp. But at the moment im feeding them tetramin flakes and tetramin baby. But i put the food in a cup of water for 10-20 min first before i feed it to my fish, cause i read that it's best to do so.
Great vid. Spot on philosophy. Big water changes (the 75%-90% type) can cause havoc with bacteria on the glass. Since it typically grows from the substrate up. No tank has 0 ppm nitrate, 0ppm ammonia or 0 ppm nitrite. That's what these beneficial bacteria consume. It's about the balance my brethren.
25% every other week thats what i used to do and plan to do on my new tank. I will keep an eye on it to see if i need to do it more often but i agree with you, if u do huge water changes it can throw it out of wack. Plus i got a planted tank so that helps alot.
Great information. I have a hang-on filter. When replacing the filter sponge and carbon and amonia should it be done at the same time or replace individually to not mess up the cycle?
Thank you for advice!! Few days ago I changed water weekly 1/3 and yesterday I checked my filter it was already dirty although I washed it (in aquarium water) and today I checked parametres I have little bit no2 and no3 in my tank and I noticed small group of ballon on surface around cables or filter but now I dont see them I added bacterial started and tomorrow will change water about 1/4
Hey Mike, Love you're videos! About year now I started a tank (55 gallon fresh water) my question is I do about a water change about every week if not definitely week and half at most I personally don't let it go past that, I clean my sponges rinse the media every 2 months and what needs to be replaced I do. I look from a side view of the tank and it always looks semi cloudy, should I change what i'm using in the canister? Canister is a Fluval 406 Water polishing pads Fluval Fluval Bio-Foam Inserts One of the baskets have half of Bio Max and the half has Pre-Filter both from Fluval And I also have in their is Fluval Zeo Carb Is there anything I should change? I hear that Chemi Pure Blue is the stuff to buy, but if i was do it I put one pack in the media two in one of the media baskets and remove the zeo carb... Fishes I have rummyred nose and galaxy rasboras Thanks, Ariel
Thanks Ariel. Beautiful name. I use Chemi pure in all my tanks. Elite in FW tanks and Blue in my SW tanks. You could throw some in there. Filter floss will also polish the water.
8 років тому
A agree with you, I think people do two many water changes, as it stresses your fish out. When I used to do 40% once a week it really stressed out my fish, as the water was slightly different than what was in there. My angel died of stress because of this. Now I do 20% every other week and everything is doing very well. I clean my filter as well. I think that as long as you do little water changes, often then it is fine. I'd rather have nitrates a little to high than having to constantly be doing huge water changes that could stress my fish out, but that would most likely happen if my tank was over stocked. Consistency is key!
I have a 280gallon custom tank with a 100gallon wet dry sump. It is planted with co2 injection. I have it full of different types of bio media, carbon, nitra zorb, filter floss. I do 30% weekly water changes with 50%-50% rodi to tap water to keep ph low. I am having a issue with nitrates. My issue is I can not for the life of me get the nitrates to stay below 30-40ppm. I use a gravel vac each week. Not sure why I can't seem to get the nitrates lower. Any ideas?
I am keeping freshwater stingrays. They are sensitive to water conditions. It is not deadly at that level however it is unhealthy for them. I have low nitrates in my tap. I will test tap again this evening. I am thinking about moving to a drip system. Do you have any experience with them?
I started taking your advice in doing a 20% water change every week and my tank seems to be okay with the balance. My tank looks nice, clear and beautiful. Although right now going through an ick issue, had to take out my carbon filters, which makes the water not so great. However, I'm learning a lot about my canister filter. Sometimes a mistake can become a great learning experience. I heard youtubers say don't touch your canister until you see your tank look unhealthy. Well reading the info on my canister, that is a bad idea. Canister filters need maintenance too. Not as crazy as water change part, but they need to be clean as the manual instructs.
I have a 5 gallon with 7 baby ramshorn snails and two harliquin rasboras (yes i know it is over crowded, i had three fish die in the span of 3 days beacuse of it.) My tank is to small to add a live plant, pluss i dont have a light. Should i just try feeding less and rinsing the filter along with more cleaning? Please help.
I have a beautiful planted 5 gal. Fluval nano. 4 small goldfish, 2 Cory cats, and 5 ghost shrimp I clean the filter once per month. I never vacuum the gravel. I do 20% water changes twice per week and I have had absolutely no problems with it.
The "goldfish" were actually small feeder fish that I introduced to my tank during the initial cycling process. They are now approximately 1 inch long. I will probably be removing them soon, but they appear to be happy.
I'm having to do 25% water changes almost daily, or every 2 days. I have some plants, but only floating ones. My Phosphate levels are enormous (10ppm). I got a phosphate reducer but it doesn't reduce the ppms very quickly. I don't want to use too much. About 2 weeks ago I added another piece of driftwood with plants attached that was soaking for a long time, but my Nitrate levels were growing before then. I change my filters almost daily now. I also add Bio-Clear and/or Prime and/or Stability almost daily to ensure the tank doesn't cycle. The lights are only on for 7 hrs p/day, no direct sunlight, 36 Gal tank with 2 clown loaches about 4-5 inches long and 2-3 inches tall, 2 harlequin rasbora, 4 cardinal tetras, 5 cherry barbs and 5 Pepper Cories (who are constantly laying eggs). The fish get fed every 2 days. 1-2pinch flakes, pinch of community pellets and/or micro pellets.,plus shrimp pellets for the loaches. Once a week they get frozen food (Shrimp,, Blood worms or assorted community Fish) The loaches and pepper cories, sift through the sand and the other fish are constantly in the plastic & live plants picking off any food that landed there. I'll keep doing the changes, but wondered if there is anything I can do to get this tank settled so that it can just about take care of itself?
+MeMiri O j personally think you're doing too much and it never gets to settle. Do a WC once a week and feed only tiny amounts once per day. Keep your sponges clean and that should be good
hi what number should your nitrate be at mine has jumped up to 40ppm and all my fish are on the bottom of the substrate it has plenty of live plants its a 60LT tank i had 5 black mollys i lost two 5 platys only seen two i lost my gold sucking loach and 3 oto cats i feed once aday i clean my filter once amonth or i leave and do it the next month but i always check before to see if it needs cleaning so the fish i have left are still alive just about but not eating would you do a water change every day or every two days cheers from the unitedkingdom
Great video, I have a high 40-60ppm nitrate constantly since i finished my cycle last month. I read on some forum not to clean the sump. is it about time to clean my mechanical media such as foams and polyester ? its been a month since is i finished my cycle on my 140 gallon tank. any suggestions?
I have a 5g and 10g tank. Live plants and sponge filters. I do weekly gravel vacuuming, and a mid week water change. I noticed my nitrate is crazy high right now, like 80-100. I've never had it this high. One fish isn't doing well, the other (in the 5g) is unbothered. I squeeze out the sponges in tank water around once a month. These tanks have been running for 3 years now. I don't know what's happening :/ Got any advice? I'm thinking maybe the fish (both tanks have 1 betta and 1 nerite) are overfed, or maybe too much plant fertilizer.
Good be all of the above. Or it could be you tap is high in nitrates. Start by just feeding a tiny bit once per day and maybe don’t clean the sponges so often. You may be destroying you beneficial bacteria without knowing it
Hi! Great video-thanks! I have a 30 gallon, brackish (1.012) aquarium with Mollies. I have a bubble wand filter at the back of the tank (which my Mollies absolutely love) and a Fluval U3 filter system. I have been doing the water changes like you suggested, but I still can't seem to keep my nitrates/nitrites low. Plus, I only have 2 adult mollies & 8 fry in the tank. I would really like to add some plants to help with the nitrates but can't seem to find any for a marine salt environment. Any suggestions?
Algae reactor/scrubber. It will collect and build algae inside of it which will consume the nitrates but not in the tank itself the water just flows through it and the nitrates feed the algae then you just have to clean it out from time to time when there's too much algae and restart it.
How much water do you change of about 10-15% evaporates between biweekly water changes? Most of the time I keep the water level to the top and biweekly remove enough watch to equal 20% total that includes what evaporates. Is that a good idea?
Interesting video. I have a 35 gallon tetra only tank that the fish are over 8 years old, and so is the "tank" as I have never cleaned it and only do a water change twice a year. Another tank I have, 200 gal, well planted with cichlids and cories, is constantly going "bad". I clean my two canisters once a month, I water change at the same time. I waitched this video because I was wondering how I can get the nitrate levels down. Everything else is at a perfect level.
Yes, I have reduced the number of fish and added more plants (which I know can also add to the "debris") I am at a point I think I need to take the tank all the way empty, scrub the gravel and start from scratch. Yikes.
I just did a full water change in my 10G aquarium and the next day 3 of my Tetra’s died I did a water test and all looks fine but on the NO2 & NO3 were at 0. Unfortunately pet supermarket and Petsmart do not have qualified people working in the fish department. Do you know the problem?
Keep your media under-water all through your filter changes. If you expose it to air, it may as well not be there. To do this, break down the filter submerged, take out the carbon and sponges once you have the medium in a separate bucket, then reassemble once the media is in the bottom (underwater). You should get the idea once you start. After 12hrs, all your levels should be absolutely on the button, and stay there for a week or more. 2week water changes, as he said will keep things perfect over 3months. I clean the filters 4 times a year, except the top nitrate pad and wool which get changed if I notice any spikes in nitrate sooner.
Thank you, very interesting. I fully agree with the statement about the uselessness of replacing water in the aquarium often and in many ways. I watched your video through automatic Russian subtitles. Maybe I didn't get it right. But the main idea is clear - you need to take into account the population of the aquarium, the number of fish and the filtration system.
@@MASSAquariums I translated your story about nitrates through UA-cam, and I respected you even more. I personally hold the same view on the substitution of water and the presence of animals and plants in the aquarium. What I tell my subscribers about. Good explanations. I wish you good luck and further development of the channel.
But what do I do if my tap water has 0,6ppm nitrite will this not just breakdown and increase nitrate? Mine are at 40ppm and I’m having major diatom algae. My tanks high tech and only a few weeks old.
Help!! Hey, I have 32 gallon planted tank and all my tetras, rams and 2 koi angels but my blue Angels sometimes gasp, what might be the reason ???because I syphon just bottom that's 10 % 15% water chnge.
My nitrates are always high. And I can’t get my water crystal clear I put some big rocks from the landscaping supply they are river rocks. Do you think that’s could be the problem
+MASS Aquariums Awesome! And thanks! Been shy about replacing my fake plants with real ones. So I'll def take a look at your video before making the swap.
I just changed my water with tap, been doing it for years. Cleaned my filter. Suddenly the nitrate levels are at an alarming level! Any other suggestions?
The nitrate levels in my tap water are 30 /40 %. When I do a test on the aquarium water levels are the same. I currently have a Molly a dwarf Gourami and an Oto. The 60 litre tank is a couple of months old and fully cycled with lots of plants. Since the nitrate levels are the same in tap and aquarium water, what can I do to reduce the levels or does it not really matter? Also, if I reduce the levels the algae won't grow and my Oto won't eat anything else! What is a 'newby' to do? Another thing is, some of the leaves on my plants are going brown, is this due to nitrates or mineral deficiency? Not diatoms because the Oto made short shrift of those LOL! Thanks for any help / advice you are able to offer x
@@MASSAquariums Thank you so much for your reply. I was kind of hoping you would say don't worry about the nitrates :) I dose weekly with Flora Grow, one pump per 5 litres. If you think there is a better one, like that which you mentioned, please would you let me know? Today I actually felt the leaves and I could see though them so perhaps it is melt back? Anyway, thanks again. Really appreciated x
@@MASSAquariums Hi again! Sorry to keep bothering you but could you tell me if this is a good or a bad idea? I am upgrading to a 105 litre tank. At the moment I have a 60 litre with an AQUAEL 300 filter. The new tank will have a 700. Would it be possible to put the 700 in the 60 litre along side the existing one in order to start it off? Or would it create too much current? Appreciate your help x
My nitrates have been high even after changing the water 50%+ but Ive had my fish for 5+ years and have been fine..id still like to lower the nitrates but idk what else to do.
i do 70 to 80% water changes weekly got a 75 African cichlid Aquarium got about 30 currently going to max out at about 40 with that being said I make sure all my filters are unplugged and that all that new water is dechlorinated before I plug my filters back in that is a must the water has to be dechlorinated before you plug your filters back in that way you can get away with massive weekly water changes without affecting your beneficial bacteria mind you this is if you got overstocked aquarium mine is a 75 gallon and I have about 30 African cichlids mixed in with South American Cichlids they get along cuz I got quite a few in my 75 peace
Hello, my nitrates are always around 100 after letting the water sit on the test strip for about a min 30 to 2min. I change the water at about 30%per week. All other perameters are good for my 180g tank but any advice on how to get the nitrates lowered would be great. I clean my fx3 filter monthly. The tap water I use has no traceable nitrates on the test strip. Should I be making larger water changes? I have several large anubis plants as well and i have a moderately stocked tank.
I have a 10 gallon that's been ruining for over a year now, I haven't had any issues until today. My nitrates are around 120pm after a 50% water change. I don't know if I should do daily water changes and hope they go down or keep it to every week. My ammonia and nitrite are both at zero. The tank isn't overstocked. I have jungle Val and Monte Carlo in the tank so it is planted. Not sure what is making my nitrates so high.
+Michael Rodriguez clean your filter out really well and get a new test kit. Also if everything is fine and healthy in the tank I wouldn't worry about it
Leon Roes if you still having this issue check your tap water. My tanks skyrocketed and i kept doing water changes.. then i checked the tap water and it was ridiculously high.
Michael Rodriguez one other thing. If you don't have enough quality media like eheim substrat pro or biohome ultimate you will never achieve a full cycle. Full cycle = less water changes
Nice emphasis on new kit. My nitrate api test kit malfunctioned, even with a couple drops of aquarium water and rest tap the tube was cherry red. Took to local store for them to compare and it was defective. Bought a new kit today and im getting same readings. "Headache!" A great idea is to have test strips on hand to confirm accuracy of api drip solution every 3-6 months. I never had this problem when i didnt read the instructions of shake bottle for 30, shake tube for 1m, let sit for 5m. Lol
Just out of curiosity how often to you test your water and what tests do you run? I have the big API kit but I am a noob and still trying to figure out how often. I do 2 per week. 1 for pre water change and 1 after water change so I know what fluctuated. I just had to cycle a 10 gallon and I checked once everyday before doing 30%ish water changes. Anyway I really enjoy your videos and learning a lot.
I seem to be getting VERY high No3 but ZERO No2! Advice please - I have a ton of plants, tons and a moderate level of fish in a 125 gallon. Is it possible that 120+ppm reading of No3 could be helping the plants but also hurting the fish? Are water changes going to lower the NO3? Is it possible that zero NO2 but high NO3 is ok? Thank in advance.
Yes, so far. In fact everything is great except the NO2. So i replaced the filters and it improved. I have a 125 gallon tank and so maybe it will take some time with 15-20% water changes and more frequent filter changes I can get it under control. I even have some fish who are pregnant!
Please help. I am cycling my 200l tank for 7 weeks now and have only seen a ammonia spike to 2ppm that have now dropped to .5ppm. I have nitrates between 5-10ppm BUT I have never seen a Nitrite spike? I test my water every morning, could I have missed the Nitrite spike? I've also tested my tap water for Nitrates to be sure there isn't any in the tap water and it reads 0ppm. Am I almost cycled or has something gone terribly wrong? (Using API master)
Thank you for your video...I"m still a newbie and I have learned so much by watching the many videos out there and I thank all of you. I have a 20 gal. long with a single fin goldfish about 5 in., a pleco about 4 in and a betta fish. One anubias plant that is suddenly growing rapidly, gravel substrate, air stone and whisper 2-10 gal. filter. This is an established tank, water is crystal clear, but just started water testing with api fw master test kit. Ph 7.4, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate....off the charts...blood red. So I've increased water changes/gravel vac, added purigen, got rid of carbon, reduced daily feeding quantity by 50% and nitrates are better but still red. Could it be that my filter is just too small? I've ordered an aquaclear 30, polyfiber cut to size and the aquaclear comes with ceramic rings. I am praying the updated filtration system will lower nitrated levels. I'm also getting a filter sponge for my intake tube. Do you think the updates will help with the nitrate levels? My goal is to get out of the red zone so I can add a few more fish. Please respond...I need advise...the local pet stores know even less than I do...Thank You...Cs
Is there a certain level or guideline number to go by for nitrates based on the volume of water? For example, a 180 gallon aquarium should never have higher than 60 ppm nitrates? Would like to get your thoughts.
I use RO for my South American comunity tank as I can keep the water soft and Acidic, however i started an african shell dweller tank and wanted to use my tap water, thing is my tap water is at 40ppm which puts me at a disadvantage. Has anyone used RO for African cichlids and what do you use to buffer?
My well has hard water and crazy high nitrates right out of the tap. Other than getting an RO unit, any ideas? Right now I m using 50% tap and 50% distilled water and Prime. Oh and this is a heavily planted tank.
Great vid as alway. Im new to the hobby so i use to be ocd with parameters an house keeping, till you put me at ease. 1 question i have: I have a planted tank- i use ada power sand( porous volcanic stone for bacteria to live) under my amazonia 2 aqua soil. What's the best way to clean the subtra with out exposing the power sand or sucking up soil?
Hi. I don't want to pester you with questions so i have 1 serious question to ask you. As you know im new to the hobby, so i don t know how to diagnose illness yet,. 1 of my harlequin rasbora has been acting strange. I dont know if it' a bladder problem or illlnes. I have 5 harlequins, 2 ott cats an 1 siamese algea eater. They all eat an look healthy. Well ive had my harlequin rasbora for a week. Mid week i noticed 1 of them mid way up the aquarium flip over on its side then i saw a flash of silver then it swam like normal. These fish like to play tag an turn sharply on a dime. So i thought i must be seeing things. Saturday came and i noticed 1 of my rasbora had white on1 of its pectoral fins instead of being clear. Im not sure if it was same fish, but i saw it flip on its side then back up again and acted normal. Then later on i saw a rasbora tumble tail first an as it fell it was twirling. I watch it for awhile and it behaved normal again. I hope i can fix the problem as quick as possible cause i dont want anthing to die under my care. I know 100% the store quarantines all their stock. Any help would be appreciated soz for long text thanks in advance.
I do regular water changes and still high of Nitrates. I do have live plants. But not much plants I'm slowly working on it. I run hang on back filter and canister filter, I cleaned them once amonth. Still high Nitrates. Plants can be expensive I'm working on that. So how else can you get rid of Nitrates???????
Big MIKE! Question... I'm having an issue with some brown algae. I've always been under the impression it's new tank syndrome. Obviously not. My 55 g philly blu tank has been running over a year. You have any vids on that topic?
Can I replace my sponge to reduce my Nitrates? The levels are like 200....my husband brought home 10 new fish and added them to our established 70 gallon tank....fish are in major distress
Good morning, I've been watching your videos. I've had my tank for a few years. Never had a problem till now. I have a planted 55 gallon with 2 hanging filters on the back. But I have 3 newish Discus and I dont want to lose them. But my readings PH is between 6.5 to 7.0 no Ammonia nitrite 0, but the nitrates keeps creeping up. I'm preparing my water to do a 20 to 25 percent water change but I'm not sure what I'm doin wrong. I never had this problem till now. Any tips if you could help me with would be greatly appreciated! And of course have a Merry Christmas!
nice video, if I make w/c every 2 weeks my nitrate jump to a very high level, I have a 125 tank with 3 canister filters 525 gph each with 23 cichlids 4 to 5 inches, I clean my filters once a month and need to do 50 % w/c twice a week because nitrate problem, I only feed my fish once a day only all that they can eat in 30 seconds and still nitrate problem, some advice?
mike i did a thirty percent water change monday the fifth, my nitrites were great on Wednesday , today i took a reading its high, what do you think happened, also amnonia went up to, what the heck, what do you think happen, i just changed one thing, i put a chemi pure green in the h,o,b,, i also put in ferts under the sub strat, i made my own with dynamite15-5-9, in caplets every four inches
k i have a hob and a cannister, my canister is heavy bio media, and two sponge, i am removing the two sponges and putting in matrix to add to my bio home,, I'm place of the sponge, i also have my hob with a sponge and perigean and two smaller pads to catch smaller paritcals
if you were "baked" or not, I still say you hit it home on this one..thank you for helping me relax and not panic
Glad I can chill you out dude.
your videos have seriously helped me so much in my freshwater tank adventure, and made my entire experience so much more enjoyable, and so much less frustrating. thank you so much!!!
You’re welcome. I appreciate the support 🐟👊🏼
Thank you! I was doing my water changes, fully planted my tank, and still had problems. The filter was my missing link! Never thought much about it, cleaned the sponge and replaced carbon every other to third water change. I now see that it needs more maintenance than I was devoting to it.
Good job. Now you know. 🐟👍🏻
I’m new to aquariums and have started a 5 gallon planted tank with 10 male endler livebearer and tiny shrimp-I purchased 30 but only see 4-8 .. my question what else is there to do with the filters? I just watched a video that said to add a used unwashed filter and the beneficial bacteria will eliminate nitrates and nitrites this video says to ass new filters. Another said never change filters on water change days. I’m confused !
I always have a hard time finding good info for what levels my nitrates should be at. Just recently I had a spike (I added lots of plants) and the reassurance that my water changes will help/fix them was super helpful!
👍🏻👍🏻🐟🌱
👉👈🙆♀️ Chloe 🤔. Question.. Betta Flow🐠 isn't past 3 days. Traveling 1 hr today Petsmart but wunder if your tank & plants working. Morning from sunny Northern California. 🙆♀️
Test the water out of the tap. A whole lot of times if you have high nitrates and seems like you can't do anything about it, its coming from the water supply and not your tank. If its the water supply then doesn't matter what you are doing to knock it down,, you are going to have high nitrates with every water change.
fell asleep waiting for you to get to the point.... most people already know its bad for their fish so just get to what the title says. for anyone who wants to know skip to 4 mins and 40 seconds.
Word
THANK YOU
They do this to earn money. Length of video apparently is good for revenue. But ya boring AF.
Cheers
Call me
Just mentioning water changes in a video probably made many people think about doing one! I am happy the direction you are taking your hobby! Tank On!
Tank on Ricky
Mike.....I’ve been lurking all over UA-cam fish, planted aquarium and product review vids for about a year now. I rarely post anywhere. Gotta say....I like your vids most. Great stuff and love your casualness. Keep it up.
Thank you. I appreciate it
Thank you for this helpful video I've recently taken over my dads 52.8 gallon fish tank as he passed away suddenly so I'm a complete newbie, I started by giving the gravel a proper clean and scraping the algae off the glass I then changed filters and did a large water change (his tank was almost green before I started) you can now enjoy a lovely clear watered fish tank and have purchased few shrimp and pleccies to help maintain the algae so far I've managed to get all the water levels perfect except no3 which is off the charts, my guppies and mollies are still breeding and the other fish seem to be happy but just can't get n°3 to be an acceptable level so this is really helpful thank you
Sorry for your loss. That must be very tough. Happy to hear your fish tank is doing better
I have to agree on this video Mike. Maintenance is key.
Yep. Sure is
thank you for this video. For the longest time I suspected that my hunch that moderate water changes, and clean filters is the way to go.
Awesome
Also, for any newbies listening, make sure that if you clean your floss/sponge media from your canister filters, always rinse them in the dirty tank water that you removed, and not in water from the tap/sink.
Yes exactly
So helpful! I've owned tanks for years and worked from a 10 gallon to a 55 gallon, recently nitrates have been harder to manage and i wasn't sure what i was doing was correct. Thankfully after watching this I feel much more confident with managing my nitrates.
Awesome. Glad the video helped you out
Great points including water changes, plants, and filter maintenance....but I think you omitted gravel vacuuming in the fish only tank or tank with few rooted plants as the gravel can become a 'nitrate factory'. (Actually, fine gravel or sand is a much better substrate so 'gunk' doesn't get down under. I prefer silica [pool filter] sand.). Also, although not as popular these days, undergravel filters can be very bad.
Also, you might encourage viewers to test their source water for nitrates. It is not uncommon in agricultural areas to have high nitrates in source (especially well) water. (I have to filter my water through denitrate resin before using for water changes!)
A final tip: Feed high quality fish food as it will result in less fish waste (and less fish waste can result in lower nitrates). Many fish foods use fishmeal and copious amounts of grain starch as filler/binder. Fish can't process grains and it just passes through as excess waste.
+Mike Vormwald 👍🏻🐟👊🏼
Hey, Im new to fishkeeping, which foods are high quality? I have frozen foods, and am going to breed brine shrimp. But at the moment im feeding them tetramin flakes and tetramin baby. But i put the food in a cup of water for 10-20 min first before i feed it to my fish, cause i read that it's best to do so.
mass just 1 week away from getting a 350 liyer tank thanks for all the advise you have given me for starting a big tank
No problem. Have fun. You'll love it
+MASS Aquariums i am sure i will have fun
Great vid. Spot on philosophy. Big water changes (the 75%-90% type) can cause havoc with bacteria on the glass. Since it typically grows from the substrate up. No tank has 0 ppm nitrate, 0ppm ammonia or 0 ppm nitrite. That's what these beneficial bacteria consume. It's about the balance my brethren.
Roger that brosephina
Thank you so much! Three simple things to keep my fish healthy and happy, and give me peace of mind!
Awesome. Enjoy your summer
25% every other week thats what i used to do and plan to do on my new tank. I will keep an eye on it to see if i need to do it more often but i agree with you, if u do huge water changes it can throw it out of wack. Plus i got a planted tank so that helps alot.
True true. Keep at it
A pH shift from too much of a water change is far worse for the fish than a rise in nitrates that happened over time.
thank you for the info i use a sponge filter ive just done a 50% water change my level are a little high
You’re welcome
After 5 years he still answers his comments what a legend
Great advice. I found my fish and plants do better when I do less. Thanks
Thank you. 👍
Great information. I have a hang-on filter. When replacing the filter sponge and carbon and amonia should it be done at the same time or replace individually to not mess up the cycle?
You can do it all at once
I heard your first sentence and saw your t-shirt and subscribed.
👍🏻
nice good point about as many fish as you want in a tank as long as you maintain it and have the beneficial bacteria to handle it.
👍
I do 10% water change every week works great so I agree with you man when I do big ones my parameters go out
Yep
This video on nitrates helped me a lot.
Awesome
@@MASSAquariums 👍
Second video of yours that has literally answered my question and lessend my worries. Definitely earned a sub!
Thank you. Appreciate that sub
Thank you for advice!! Few days ago I changed water weekly 1/3 and yesterday I checked my filter it was already dirty although I washed it (in aquarium water) and today I checked parametres I have little bit no2 and no3 in my tank and I noticed small group of ballon on surface around cables or filter but now I dont see them I added bacterial started and tomorrow will change water about 1/4
What kinds of plants? I only have plastic ones now, what is a good starter?
Anubias, Bacopa, crypts, Amazon swords, Java fern, jungle Val
Can moss balls take nitrates out as well?
+Blue-4_ yes they work great for nitrate adsorption
Hey Mike,
Love you're videos! About year now I started a tank (55 gallon fresh water) my question is I do about a water change about every week if not definitely week and half at most I personally don't let it go past that, I clean my sponges rinse the media every 2 months and what needs to be replaced I do. I look from a side view of the tank and it always looks semi cloudy, should I change what i'm using in the canister?
Canister is a Fluval 406
Water polishing pads Fluval
Fluval Bio-Foam Inserts
One of the baskets have half of Bio Max and the half has Pre-Filter both from Fluval
And I also have in their is Fluval Zeo Carb
Is there anything I should change? I hear that Chemi Pure Blue is the stuff to buy, but if i was do it I put one pack in the media two in one of the media baskets and remove the zeo carb...
Fishes I have rummyred nose and galaxy rasboras
Thanks,
Ariel
Thanks Ariel. Beautiful name. I use Chemi pure in all my tanks. Elite in FW tanks and Blue in my SW tanks. You could throw some in there. Filter floss will also polish the water.
A agree with you, I think people do two many water changes, as it stresses your fish out. When I used to do 40% once a week it really stressed out my fish, as the water was slightly different than what was in there. My angel died of stress because of this. Now I do 20% every other week and everything is doing very well. I clean my filter as well. I think that as long as you do little water changes, often then it is fine. I'd rather have nitrates a little to high than having to constantly be doing huge water changes that could stress my fish out, but that would most likely happen if my tank was over stocked. Consistency is key!
Exactly. Have a regiment and stick to it.
Excellent information for the new fish keeper and the veteran alike
Thank you
Do you use RO water,distilled water, or tap water with water conditioner?
Tap water with dechlorinater
MASS Aquariums for your saltwater aquarium as well?
The only thing that is high in my tank is the NO3 the rest of test strip is good what do I do should I try a different kit
Do a water change
Great video! Love the range of information and how "real" you are. Keep it up, enjoy watching your videos
Thank you
I have a 280gallon custom tank with a 100gallon wet dry sump. It is planted with co2 injection. I have it full of different types of bio media, carbon, nitra zorb, filter floss. I do 30% weekly water changes with 50%-50% rodi to tap water to keep ph low. I am having a issue with nitrates. My issue is I can not for the life of me get the nitrates to stay below 30-40ppm. I use a gravel vac each week. Not sure why I can't seem to get the nitrates lower. Any ideas?
That isn’t too high and the fish should be fine. Are you sure your tap water isn’t high in nitrates
I am keeping freshwater stingrays. They are sensitive to water conditions. It is not deadly at that level however it is unhealthy for them. I have low nitrates in my tap. I will test tap again this evening. I am thinking about moving to a drip system. Do you have any experience with them?
I started taking your advice in doing a 20% water change every week and my tank seems to be okay with the balance. My tank looks nice, clear and beautiful. Although right now going through an ick issue, had to take out my carbon filters, which makes the water not so great. However, I'm learning a lot about my canister filter. Sometimes a mistake can become a great learning experience. I heard youtubers say don't touch your canister until you see your tank look unhealthy. Well reading the info on my canister, that is a bad idea. Canister filters need maintenance too. Not as crazy as water change part, but they need to be clean as the manual instructs.
Very true. I've learned a lot from my screw ups
I was wondering what the plant is that you have next to the Alternanthera and behind the cryptocoryne
Crinum
@@MASSAquariums thanks!
LOL, when he said piss.(and had a straight face)
😁
"faeces and piss" xD avoids saying shit then says piss, made me laugh aswell
I have a 5 gallon with 7 baby ramshorn snails and two harliquin rasboras (yes i know it is over crowded, i had three fish die in the span of 3 days beacuse of it.) My tank is to small to add a live plant, pluss i dont have a light. Should i just try feeding less and rinsing the filter along with more cleaning? Please help.
Yep always feed minimal and do WC’s often
Do you use tap water for your freshwater tanks?
Yep
I have a beautiful planted 5 gal. Fluval nano.
4 small goldfish, 2 Cory cats, and 5 ghost shrimp
I clean the filter once per month.
I never vacuum the gravel.
I do 20% water changes twice per week and I have had absolutely no problems with it.
+Hornet Oliver good job. That's a lot of fish for a 5 gallon
The "goldfish" were actually small feeder fish that I introduced to my tank during the initial cycling process. They are now approximately 1 inch long. I will probably be removing them soon, but they appear to be happy.
Thank you straight to the point got it. I’m on the job👒
Word up
@@MASSAquariums I Have justo done water testing positive results 🐠
thank you for the information 👒
I like what you have to say about a lot of aquarium tips. Thanks for taking the time to educate us.
Thanks for watching, much appreciated
I'm having to do 25% water changes almost daily, or every 2 days. I have some plants, but only floating ones. My Phosphate levels are enormous (10ppm). I got a phosphate reducer but it doesn't reduce the ppms very quickly. I don't want to use too much. About 2 weeks ago I added another piece of driftwood with plants attached that was soaking for a long time, but my Nitrate levels were growing before then. I change my filters almost daily now. I also add Bio-Clear and/or Prime and/or Stability almost daily to ensure the tank doesn't cycle. The lights are only on for 7 hrs p/day, no direct sunlight, 36 Gal tank with 2 clown loaches about 4-5 inches long and 2-3 inches tall, 2 harlequin rasbora, 4 cardinal tetras, 5 cherry barbs and 5 Pepper Cories (who are constantly laying eggs). The fish get fed every 2 days. 1-2pinch flakes, pinch of community pellets and/or micro pellets.,plus shrimp pellets for the loaches. Once a week they get frozen food (Shrimp,, Blood worms or assorted community Fish) The loaches and pepper cories, sift through the sand and the other fish are constantly in the plastic & live plants picking off any food that landed there. I'll keep doing the changes, but wondered if there is anything I can do to get this tank settled so that it can just about take care of itself?
+MeMiri O j personally think you're doing too much and it never gets to settle. Do a WC once a week and feed only tiny amounts once per day. Keep your sponges clean and that should be good
hi i have 0 ammonia nitrite and nitrate . after 2weeks need to change water?
You can wait another week
hi what number should your nitrate be at mine has jumped up to 40ppm and all my fish are on the bottom of the substrate it has plenty of live plants its a 60LT tank i had 5 black mollys i lost two 5 platys only seen two i lost my gold sucking loach and 3 oto cats i feed once aday i clean my filter once amonth or i leave and do it the next month but i always check before to see if it needs cleaning so the fish i have left are still alive just about but not eating would you do a water change every day or every two days cheers from the unitedkingdom
40 ppm isn’t that bad. I would water change every 2 weeks. You can do every week if you really want to
Does Aquarian salt help at all with nitrates?
I do not think so
Great video, I have a high 40-60ppm nitrate constantly since i finished my cycle last month. I read on some forum not to clean the sump. is it about time to clean my mechanical media such as foams and polyester ? its been a month since is i finished my cycle on my 140 gallon tank. any suggestions?
+Chris Ongoing you can go 2-3 months.
I have a 5g and 10g tank. Live plants and sponge filters. I do weekly gravel vacuuming, and a mid week water change. I noticed my nitrate is crazy high right now, like 80-100. I've never had it this high. One fish isn't doing well, the other (in the 5g) is unbothered. I squeeze out the sponges in tank water around once a month. These tanks have been running for 3 years now. I don't know what's happening :/ Got any advice? I'm thinking maybe the fish (both tanks have 1 betta and 1 nerite) are overfed, or maybe too much plant fertilizer.
Good be all of the above. Or it could be you tap is high in nitrates. Start by just feeding a tiny bit once per day and maybe don’t clean the sponges so often. You may be destroying you beneficial bacteria without knowing it
The tank looks god even half full. Good stuff
Thanks MrH2U. Good to see you stop by
Ya, it looks godly.
Hi! Great video-thanks! I have a 30 gallon, brackish (1.012) aquarium with Mollies. I have a bubble wand filter at the back of the tank (which my Mollies absolutely love) and a Fluval U3 filter system. I have been doing the water changes like you suggested, but I still can't seem to keep my nitrates/nitrites low. Plus, I only have 2 adult mollies & 8 fry in the tank. I would really like to add some plants to help with the nitrates but can't seem to find any for a marine salt environment. Any suggestions?
Algae reactor/scrubber. It will collect and build algae inside of it which will consume the nitrates but not in the tank itself the water just flows through it and the nitrates feed the algae then you just have to clean it out from time to time when there's too much algae and restart it.
I am very concerned about what to add to the water when I do a water change & how much. I might be over cautious and adding too much. What do you add?
Use API Stress Coat. You really can’t over dose it
Thanks I have been adding tap water conditioner, stress coat and stress zyme in small amounts....just guessing at it.
Thx for your advice. My nitrates has been going up. I will follow your advice.
+Yolanda Herbert 🐟👊🏼
Good point regarding how your filter can hold nitrates…
👍🏻🐟
How much water do you change of about 10-15% evaporates between biweekly water changes? Most of the time I keep the water level to the top and biweekly remove enough watch to equal 20% total that includes what evaporates. Is that a good idea?
Sounds perfect
Interesting video. I have a 35 gallon tetra only tank that the fish are over 8 years old, and so is the "tank" as I have never cleaned it and only do a water change twice a year. Another tank I have, 200 gal, well planted with cichlids and cories, is constantly going "bad". I clean my two canisters once a month, I water change at the same time. I waitched this video because I was wondering how I can get the nitrate levels down. Everything else is at a perfect level.
Thanks pant heavily or water change often but also a lightly stocked tank helps
Yes, I have reduced the number of fish and added more plants (which I know can also add to the "debris") I am at a point I think I need to take the tank all the way empty, scrub the gravel and start from scratch. Yikes.
Will the filter actually clean it up cuz I change my filter every week man I like my water clean but everything natural
All good
like the advice , had nitrate problems in my tank recently , still ongoing .
good advice thank you .
keep up the good work
Thank you. Appreciate it
That's what I have I took out carbon and put in xtra sponge even and one on Intake
+Julie Purcell 👍🏻
hi.. have you seen the eco aquarium..supposedly no filter or ferts etc., What do you think?
Is awesome
Thank you so much
You’re welcome
I just did a full water change in my 10G aquarium and the next day 3 of my Tetra’s died I did a water test and all looks fine but on the NO2 & NO3 were at 0. Unfortunately pet supermarket and Petsmart do not have qualified people working in the fish department. Do you know the problem?
Your tank may not be completely cycled
I be worried to do a 90 percent water change I do about 50 -70 per week is that good enough for my discus tank
Yes. Definitely
Keep your media under-water all through your filter changes. If you expose it to air, it may as well not be there. To do this, break down the filter submerged, take out the carbon and sponges once you have the medium in a separate bucket, then reassemble once the media is in the bottom (underwater). You should get the idea once you start. After 12hrs, all your levels should be absolutely on the button, and stay there for a week or more. 2week water changes, as he said will keep things perfect over 3months. I clean the filters 4 times a year, except the top nitrate pad and wool which get changed if I notice any spikes in nitrate sooner.
+Andrew Houghton yep
I forgot to say, the bacteria are anaerobic. They are killed by exposure to oxygen. And they love nitrates! Yum yum.
Thank you, very interesting. I fully agree with the statement about the uselessness of replacing water in the aquarium often and in many ways. I watched your video through automatic Russian subtitles. Maybe I didn't get it right. But the main idea is clear - you need to take into account the population of the aquarium, the number of fish and the filtration system.
Yes exactly correct
@@MASSAquariums I translated your story about nitrates through UA-cam, and I respected you even more. I personally hold the same view on the substitution of water and the presence of animals and plants in the aquarium. What I tell my subscribers about. Good explanations. I wish you good luck and further development of the channel.
But what do I do if my tap water has 0,6ppm nitrite will this not just breakdown and increase nitrate? Mine are at 40ppm and I’m having major diatom algae. My tanks high tech and only a few weeks old.
That’s normal. New tank=diatoms
What kind of camera are you using? It warps things as other things move over or through them.
Was an iPhone 5
Help!!
Hey, I have 32 gallon planted tank and all my tetras, rams and 2 koi angels but my blue Angels sometimes gasp, what might be the reason ???because I syphon just bottom that's 10 % 15% water chnge.
Need to get some oxygen in the tank. Try an air stone to agitate the surface
@@MASSAquariums I already have air stone in tank. I use hang on filter and airstone.
I’m new and I’m currently cycling a tank do you do water changes during the cycling process? My ammonia is 0.25 nitrite0.25 and nitrate is at a 1
No I would wait until the cycle has completed.
MASS Aquariums how does the nitrate get reduced I thought the only way to do that was to do a water change
Yes water changes but if your cycle is not complete you will just start the cycle over again.
MASS Aquariums so once ammonia and nitrite are at zero does that mean the cycle is complete?
I do 30% once a month . Big tanks with minimal fish is the way to go
My nitrates are always high. And I can’t get my water crystal clear I put some big rocks from the landscaping supply they are river rocks. Do you think that’s could be the problem
Did you rinse or boil them first? Could be
What is an acceptable level for nitrates and nitrites?
I usually say 40ppm and below
I have a koi fish aquarium if I do plants the koi will remove them. What are the best plants for nitrate removal.
You could do water lettuce
Do you already have a video on planting and maintaining freshwater plants?
I Do. How to take care of a planted tank
+MASS Aquariums Awesome! And thanks! Been shy about replacing my fake plants with real ones. So I'll def take a look at your video before making the swap.
I just changed my water with tap, been doing it for years. Cleaned my filter. Suddenly the nitrate levels are at an alarming level! Any other suggestions?
Maybe your tab has an increase in nitrates. You can add more plants too
I have a nitrite spike cant find much information on how to lower it any suggestions ?
Water changes or your cycle is completing
Very helpful nitrate video, thanks 👍subscribed today.
Awesome. Thank you
The nitrate levels in my tap water are 30 /40 %. When I do a test on the aquarium water levels are the same. I currently have a Molly a dwarf Gourami and an Oto. The 60 litre tank is a couple of months old and fully cycled with lots of plants. Since the nitrate levels are the same in tap and aquarium water, what can I do to reduce the levels or does it not really matter? Also, if I reduce the levels the algae won't grow and my Oto won't eat anything else! What is a 'newby' to do? Another thing is, some of the leaves on my plants are going brown, is this due to nitrates or mineral deficiency? Not diatoms because the Oto made short shrift of those LOL! Thanks for any help / advice you are able to offer x
I wouldn’t worry if the fish are happy and healthy. Brown is a lack of minerals. You could dose an all in one like FlorinMulti
@@MASSAquariums Thank you so much for your reply. I was kind of hoping you would say don't worry about the nitrates :) I dose weekly with Flora Grow, one pump per 5 litres. If you think there is a better one, like that which you mentioned, please would you let me know? Today I actually felt the leaves and I could see though them so perhaps it is melt back? Anyway, thanks again. Really appreciated x
@@MASSAquariums Hi again! Sorry to keep bothering you but could you tell me if this is a good or a bad idea? I am upgrading to a 105 litre tank. At the moment I have a 60 litre with an AQUAEL 300 filter. The new tank will have a 700. Would it be possible to put the 700 in the 60 litre along side the existing one in order to start it off? Or would it create too much current? Appreciate your help x
My nitrates have been high even after changing the water 50%+ but Ive had my fish for 5+ years and have been fine..id still like to lower the nitrates but idk what else to do.
Your tap water probably has high nitrates. RODI Water is an option
i do 70 to 80% water changes weekly got a 75 African cichlid Aquarium got about 30 currently going to max out at about 40 with that being said I make sure all my filters are unplugged and that all that new water is dechlorinated before I plug my filters back in that is a must the water has to be dechlorinated before you plug your filters back in that way you can get away with massive weekly water changes without affecting your beneficial bacteria mind you this is if you got overstocked aquarium mine is a 75 gallon and I have about 30 African cichlids mixed in with South American Cichlids they get along cuz I got quite a few in my 75 peace
👍🏻🐟👊🏼
How often should I do a water change for a 5.5 guppy tank?
Every 1-2 weeks is good
Hello, my nitrates are always around 100 after letting the water sit on the test strip for about a min 30 to 2min. I change the water at about 30%per week. All other perameters are good for my 180g tank but any advice on how to get the nitrates lowered would be great. I clean my fx3 filter monthly. The tap water I use has no traceable nitrates on the test strip. Should I be making larger water changes? I have several large anubis plants as well and i have a moderately stocked tank.
My fish have not been dying but I heard over 40 can dwarf your fish.
Maybe add some kore plants. If your fish are healthy and eating I wouldn’t worry about it
I have a 10 gallon that's been ruining for over a year now, I haven't had any issues until today. My nitrates are around 120pm after a 50% water change. I don't know if I should do daily water changes and hope they go down or keep it to every week.
My ammonia and nitrite are both at zero. The tank isn't overstocked. I have jungle Val and Monte Carlo in the tank so it is planted. Not sure what is making my nitrates so high.
+Michael Rodriguez clean your filter out really well and get a new test kit. Also if everything is fine and healthy in the tank I wouldn't worry about it
Michael Rodriguez i
Leon Roes if you still having this issue check your tap water. My tanks skyrocketed and i kept doing water changes.. then i checked the tap water and it was ridiculously high.
Michael Rodriguez one other thing. If you don't have enough quality media like eheim substrat pro or biohome ultimate you will never achieve a full cycle. Full cycle = less water changes
Nice emphasis on new kit. My nitrate api test kit malfunctioned, even with a couple drops of aquarium water and rest tap the tube was cherry red. Took to local store for them to compare and it was defective. Bought a new kit today and im getting same readings. "Headache!" A great idea is to have test strips on hand to confirm accuracy of api drip solution every 3-6 months. I never had this problem when i didnt read the instructions of shake bottle for 30, shake tube for 1m, let sit for 5m. Lol
Just out of curiosity how often to you test your water and what tests do you run? I have the big API kit but I am a noob and still trying to figure out how often. I do 2 per week. 1 for pre water change and 1 after water change so I know what fluctuated. I just had to cycle a 10 gallon and I checked once everyday before doing 30%ish water changes. Anyway I really enjoy your videos and learning a lot.
Thanks for watching. I actually never test my water.
+MASS Aquariums same as myself you get to know your tank and what works for you!
over stock=over-bioload+ happy fish
Thanks. Good simple advice. Perfect
🐟👍🏻
I seem to be getting VERY high No3 but ZERO No2! Advice please - I have a ton of plants, tons and a moderate level of fish in a 125 gallon. Is it possible that 120+ppm reading of No3 could be helping the plants but also hurting the fish? Are water changes going to lower the NO3? Is it possible that zero NO2 but high NO3 is ok? Thank in advance.
Are the Fish fine
Yes, so far. In fact everything is great except the NO2. So i replaced the filters and it improved. I have a 125 gallon tank and so maybe it will take some time with 15-20% water changes and more frequent filter changes I can get it under control. I even have some fish who are pregnant!
Please help. I am cycling my 200l tank for 7 weeks now and have only seen a ammonia spike to 2ppm that have now dropped to .5ppm. I have nitrates between 5-10ppm BUT I have never seen a Nitrite spike? I test my water every morning, could I have missed the Nitrite spike? I've also tested my tap water for Nitrates to be sure there isn't any in the tap water and it reads 0ppm. Am I almost cycled or has something gone terribly wrong? (Using API master)
I would start slowly adding some fish. You’ll be fine. A couple at a time
Thank you for your video...I"m still a newbie and I have learned so much by watching the many videos out there and I thank all of you. I have a 20 gal. long with a single fin goldfish about 5 in., a pleco about 4 in and a betta fish. One anubias plant that is suddenly growing rapidly, gravel substrate, air stone and whisper 2-10 gal. filter. This is an established tank, water is crystal clear, but just started water testing with api fw master test kit. Ph 7.4, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate....off the charts...blood red. So I've increased water changes/gravel vac, added purigen, got rid of carbon, reduced daily feeding quantity by 50% and nitrates are better but still red. Could it be that my filter is just too small? I've ordered an aquaclear 30, polyfiber cut to size and the aquaclear comes with ceramic rings. I am praying the updated filtration system will lower nitrated levels. I'm also getting a filter sponge for my intake tube. Do you think the updates will help with the nitrate levels? My goal is to get out of the red zone so I can add a few more fish. Please respond...I need advise...the local pet stores know even less than I do...Thank You...Cs
+Carol S. I think the additions will help but your best bet is to get a bigger tank. 20 gallons is not that big
+MASS Aquariums ok...thank you.
Is there a certain level or guideline number to go by for nitrates based on the volume of water? For example, a 180 gallon aquarium should never have higher than 60 ppm nitrates? Would like to get your thoughts.
I like to keep them below 40 but I never test my water so.....
I use RO for my South American comunity tank as I can keep the water soft and Acidic, however i started an african shell dweller tank and wanted to use my tap water, thing is my tap water is at 40ppm which puts me at a disadvantage.
Has anyone used RO for African cichlids and what do you use to buffer?
Aquarium salt should work
My well has hard water and crazy high nitrates right out of the tap. Other than getting an RO unit, any ideas? Right now I m using 50% tap and 50% distilled water and Prime. Oh and this is a heavily planted tank.
+MrFishzilla you could get one of those Pur Water filters to attach to your sink faucet
Great vid as alway. Im new to the hobby so i use to be ocd with parameters an house keeping, till you put me at ease. 1 question i have: I have a planted tank- i use ada power sand( porous volcanic stone for bacteria to live) under my amazonia 2 aqua soil. What's the best way to clean the subtra with out exposing the power sand or sucking up soil?
Hover over the top of it best you can do
Hi. I don't want to pester you with questions so i have 1 serious question to ask you. As you know im new to the hobby, so i don t know how to diagnose illness yet,. 1 of my harlequin rasbora has been acting strange. I dont know if it' a bladder problem or illlnes. I have 5 harlequins, 2 ott cats an 1 siamese algea eater. They all eat an look healthy. Well ive had my harlequin rasbora for a week. Mid week i noticed 1 of them mid way up the aquarium flip over on its side then i saw a flash of silver then it swam like normal. These fish like to play tag an turn sharply on a dime. So i thought i must be seeing things. Saturday came and i noticed 1 of my rasbora had white on1 of its pectoral fins
instead of being clear. Im not sure if it was same fish, but i saw it flip on its side then back up again and acted normal. Then later on i saw a rasbora tumble tail first an as it fell it was twirling. I watch it for awhile and it behaved normal again. I hope i can fix the problem as quick as possible cause i dont want anthing to die under my care. I know 100% the store quarantines all their stock. Any help would be appreciated soz for long text thanks in advance.
I do regular water changes and still high of Nitrates. I do have live plants. But not much plants I'm slowly working on it. I run hang on back filter and canister filter, I cleaned them once amonth. Still high Nitrates. Plants can be expensive I'm working on that. So how else can you get rid of Nitrates???????
Julie Brown what’s the size of your tank and what is it stocked with? What are your other parameters?
Big MIKE! Question... I'm having an issue with some brown algae. I've always been under the impression it's new tank syndrome. Obviously not. My 55 g philly blu tank has been running over a year. You have any vids on that topic?
Diatoms can pop up with poor flow areas or dead spots. Brush it off and increase the flow. If it comes back dance on it. Lmao. Haha
+MASS Aquariums lol. Ok thanks man. I thought dancing just made it rain. I'll have to try that. 😂
Can I replace my sponge to reduce my Nitrates? The levels are like 200....my husband brought home 10 new fish and added them to our established 70 gallon tank....fish are in major distress
Yes you can replace it no problem
Thanks. Great video. Go Pats!
GO PATS!
I had a 5 gallon tank and the water was great but I went to a 10 gallon and the nitrates and nitrites went up so do I put a moss ball in
+Brenden 346 that would help
Good morning, I've been watching your videos. I've had my tank for a few years. Never had a problem till now. I have a planted 55 gallon with 2 hanging filters on the back. But I have 3 newish Discus and I dont want to lose them. But my readings PH is between 6.5 to 7.0 no Ammonia nitrite 0, but the nitrates keeps creeping up. I'm preparing my water to do a 20 to 25 percent water change but I'm not sure what I'm doin wrong. I never had this problem till now. Any tips if you could help me with would be greatly appreciated! And of course have a Merry Christmas!
Discus need frequent water changes of 50% or more
nice video, if I make w/c every 2 weeks my nitrate jump to a very high level, I have a 125 tank with 3 canister filters 525 gph each with 23 cichlids 4 to 5 inches, I clean my filters once a month and need to do 50 % w/c twice a week because nitrate problem, I only feed my fish once a day only all that they can eat in 30 seconds and still nitrate problem, some advice?
+Marilyn Viera PolyFilter pads and more media in your filters to hold more BB
mike i did a thirty percent water change monday the fifth, my nitrites were great on Wednesday , today i took a reading its high, what do you think happened, also amnonia went up to, what the heck, what do you think happen, i just changed one thing, i put a chemi pure green in the h,o,b,, i also put in ferts under the sub strat, i made my own with dynamite15-5-9, in caplets every four inches
+Joyce Wolan may be nothing but a mini cycle after your WC. If the fish are fine I wouldn't worry
thanks man I'm freaking, i am going to do a canister sponge cleaning , maybe that is causing it to
Don't clean everything all at once or you might repeat a whole cycle
k i have a hob and a cannister, my canister is heavy bio media, and two sponge, i am removing the two sponges and putting in matrix to add to my bio home,, I'm place of the sponge, i also have my hob with a sponge and perigean and two smaller pads to catch smaller paritcals
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