jtinbc

I have a 55 gallon fresh, already established, but can't seem to get my nitrates level down. I've done water change, and cleaned my canister filter, changing the charcoal pouch and the fine white mesh. I and am afraid I'll start losing fish. Is there anything that I can treat my tank with?? My parameters are as follows:

55 gallon, spectra gravel
Large plecostamus
1 angel, 1 O'cat, 1 albino frog, 1 dojo loach,
2 buenos ares tetras, 2 blush tetras, 2 red eye tetras
3 small glowfish, 2 chilles, 1 mickey mouse platy (who is acting very sluggish)

I guess I'm asking if it is alright to have a 5 or 10 on my nitrates reading?

lilsoccakid

5 to 10 is very low nitates.
tanks should hav these readings

0 ammonia
0 nitrite
less then 20 nitrates

your fine

i hope u know about the aquarium nitrogen cycle, and didnt throw out ur filter, which contains most of the bacteria thats benificail

Lucy

Welcome to Fishlore jtinbc


I agree with lilsoccakid my nitrates always hover around 10 in my 10g and 5 in my 5g.

lilsoccakid

o yea i forgot to tell u.

welcome to fishlore!

susitna-flower

HI, AND WELCOME TO FISHLORE.....

What are you testing your water with? Most here recommend the API Master test kit....it gives accurate results that we all can measure just what you do on results....

I agree anything under 20 is fine for your tank. Several 50% changes will only result in bringing your nitrate down a fraction. You could actually cause more problems than solving if you are too vigorous with your cleaning, as you can kill a bunch of good bacteria and send your tank into a mini cycle.

So the long and short is, if it is up around 10, do 25-50% change once a week....

If you have continued worries, you could always trade your LARGE pleco in, for a bristlenose pleco...they stay small and produce less waste, which will help keep your nitrates down. Good Luck

Gargoyle

If you want it lower you can get plants like Hornwort. Those crazy plants can make your Nitrates drop to zero.

Also the API test kit is a must have as it actually gives correct readings.

jtinbc

Thanks for all the input!!! My test kit is the API, and I love it. My nitrates are actually around 20, which seems high, but you're right, it has been that way since I got the large pleco!! I did notice he sure.....uh....makes a lot of waste!! I guess I could get a different pleco, but what would I do with this guy Do you think my local fish store would take him back?? I'll check in to it. Thanks again for the help!

Lucy

Some stores will take them back, you'd have to check their policy.
Plecos are so cute and in the stores, they look so small.
My local Walmart has signs warning how big they will get..1 point for them, now if they would just start giving better betta advice.

In the mean time, water changes will bring your nitrates down.

Good luck with your tank.....how about a pic?

grneyez808

Hello, You have no need to worry. Your nitrates are the least harmful and your levels are fine. 40 ppm is DANGER. 20 is safe "normal" Remember when cleaning too much you can kill off your flora. "good bacteria" good luck If I were u i wouldnt buy fish from Wal Mart. Highly sick fish!!! If u must quarantine them.

COBettaCouple

I love our little LFBN albino plecos but they put out incredible amounts of pleco poo.. at 2-3" long. Great fish, plecos, they just all really put out the waste. More live plants in the tank and/or more frequent water changes could help bring the nitrates down to the safe level.