lyndatu

Oh, well hello there! What's your name?

2 of my fishes in my Q-tank are going to be moved to the main 20 gallon freshwater tank tomorrow, so I did a 50% water change on the main tank to reduce nitrates(nitrates are very high). After that, I waited several hours then made a nitrate test, only to find a red coloring that means that nitrates are still high. The water change did nothing. The fish will wait a bit longer...... It's probably because of my filter, that uses bioballs(using bioballs are very good biological filter media because beneficial bacteria colonize in there, but the consequence is a nitrate explosion). We can't remove the bioball canister, because it holds the filter upright(the filter is quirky so it needs something to stand on), and if we remove it then the filter would fall apart. Is there any other way to reduce nitrates? There are freshwater clams here nearby but they're the dirty market ones. Well, there are some cabomba plants for sale at a faraway city that we seldomly visit...........If I really have no choice then I'll just go for the plants......

Thanks in advance!

Chief_waterchanger

Live aquatic plants are a good way to remove nitrates, but waterchanges should help. Unless you have large amounts of ammonia on your tap water then the waterchanges should be lowering the nitrates. I would suggest doing (2) 50% waterchanges over the course of the next day or two and then test. Your nitrates may have been so high that even helping with the first waterchange they were still in the red.

lyndatu

Ok! Does this mean I don't have to buy plants? (although I would like to have some 'cause they look great, my fish will love it and is very beneficial)

capekate

Plants are always a great idea for a tank, and I have seen my fish appear very happy to have live plants to swim in and out of.
As far as your nitrate test, you say that you tested the water within a few hours of changing the water. Its a good idea to wait 24 hours before testing the water after a water change. Have you tested the water today?
You may have a different reading. I also agree that a few more water changes should bring your nitrate level down.

~ kate

lyndatu

Oooooooooogh........it's hard to decide! Please help me choose if I should buy plants or not:

If I buy plants: Pros: I really want plants......my fish would be happy, they're highly beneficial and since I'm planning to have a natural theme for my tank, live plants are perfect. Also reduces harmful elements.
Cons: If I buy plants, I will remove the fake ones I got,and my mom doesn't want me to because they're expensive. Also my mom says that if they die it will pollute the tank.

Choose.

Thanks in advance!

capekate

It really depends on your lighting what types of live plants to get. If you find some 'low light' plants that are easy, then you can always add a few to your existing fake plants. Its ok to mix the two together. This way you can get the benefits from the live plants without spending too much money and without changing out your whole tank.

~ kate