Jess

I've been retesting my 55 gal tank to double check the Nitrates, I think I got false reading before. . . It said my nitrate was 0. What is an acceptable level for Nitrates and Phosphates for a semi planted Discus aquarium? (also has Malaysian drift wood)
These are my results:

pH 6.4
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
KH 0
GH 2
phosphate 2.

After I did a 40% water change my Nitrate came down to 5. And the Phosphate 1. (Tap water tests 1 for Phosphate.)
Note: I change 40% out twice a week.

Lucy

With nitrAtes, 10 is fine, 20 is close, anything over, I'd do a water change.

Personally, I don't even like 20, but from what I've read here on the forum, it should be ok.

Shawnie

anything under 20 is good looks like a good cycled tank

Lucy

We both posted at 9:15

Jess

Thanks Lucy and Shawnie. I think its possible to maintain at 5-10 on the Nitrates and keep everyone happy. I just wanted to make sure it was right.

Also I'm always scraping off spots of algae on the glass (one a week or so) and was wondering if the Nitrates and Phosphates might be feeding the algae. Tank is centered on an interior wall away from windows. Tank lights are on about 10 hours a day.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is just apart of the tank cleaning process I have to keep up with and thats just the way it is.

pepetj

I'd say you have very good water parameters there!

Nitrates could go up to 40ppm and not cause real harm in most fish, if those levels are present for a very short time -say you couldn't do your scheduled water change for being sick. That said, you happen to keep one of the most delicate species in freshwater: Discus. Their tolerance to Nitrates might be lower than most fishes.

If I kept Discus, I would add UV sterilization (properly set) to aid in keeping the REDOX potential within ideal range (-250 to -350mv). Not really expensive, just need to replace the lamp twice a year, and a piece of cake to set-up.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Jess

Thanks Pepe! Good to hear : ) My Discus color seems to improves with water changes. When they aren't looking good I begin to worry.
When you say REDOX (not quite sure what you mean). I do have a UV light for my Koi/goldfish pond. And come to think of it, it really does help with the algae control. We have very clear water in the pond.
So UV sterilization would be beneficial to the Discus as well? Would it help to destroy any fungal problems?
Thanks for your response.
Jess

DarkRevoultions

I would think that the nitrite level if it is under 20, then it would be fine. I think 4-6 should be the minimum level...

Phosphate. I don't really know about that.. it's kinda bad especially when they used to have it in laundry detergent in the 1950's used to make the whites gray..

So I don't know about that.

Peterpiper

IMO, Keeping the water parameters stable is important.
By letting the Nitrates go above 20, then droping them to 10 is ok, but if you let them go up to 30 or higher then drop them down to 10, you could stress the fish...
Readings of phosphate in the water will lead to a problem with algaes, add high nitrates and your tank will start to take on a shade of green.
Adding more plants to your tank will help reduce the phosphate or you could add a phosphate pad to the filter.
I know people who run the new water through a filter that has carbon and a phosphate pad for 24hrs before adding the water to the tank, this has reduced the phosphate in there tank.
By keeping the nitrate low and the phosphate as close to 0 as you can you will be reducing the food that the algae needs.
Running a UV will help in reducing algaes, but IMO removing the nitrates and phosphates is the better option.
Pete

Shawnie

there should NEVER be a nitrite reading..its poisionous...if you mean nitrates, under 20 is good and not sure what you mean by 4-6?

pepetj

Jess: Sorry I took so long to get back at you. Kind of lost this thread.

REDOX is the acronym for Reduction-Oxidation Potential. Please read the following articles, first one on REDOX, the other on UV sterilization.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts....Potential.html

http://www.americanaquariumproducts....ilization.html

BTW it looks like DarkRevolutions just misspelled nitrates. I doubt he/she meant nitrites.

Pepe
Santo Domingo