giordanopg

Hi,
My tank's been running for 3 months now. After a few... a lot of overstocking/incompatibility fish problems, I think my tank is very stable now.
The one problem I can't seem to get a hang on is the nitrate level.
I keep getting 25ppm. I use TetraTest.

I have around 36 inches worth of fish (corys, otos, tetras, danios, gourami and an angel) and my tank has around 34 GAL. I do 5 GAL water changes weekly and try not to overfeed the fish. I also have some anacharis plants.

My question is, since everything looks fine, should I do more frequent water changes to force the nitrates down?
I have the feeling that the bioballs in the wetdry filter are contributing to the nitrate build up.

COBettaCouple

yes, i'd do daily partial water changes until they come down.. 25 isn't super bad, but you want it 10 or lower. if your test isn't liquid, i'd recommend the API kit - you might find that you don't actually have that much nitrates.

giordanopg

The test IS liquid.
Thanx.

Isabella

Yes, I'd also recommend more frequent water changes. That's what keeps Nitrate low. I'd actually also recommend your water changes size to be more like 7 gallons or so, instead of 5 gallons. But it's up to you. If you perform water changes 2 times a week, then 5 gallons each time is fine, as this will give you 10 gallons per week. In my 30 gallon tank (with 2 Angelfish only) I perform 30 - 50% weekly water changes actually.