jar05g

Hey all. So until about the middle of August I'm having to keep 35 different species of tetras in a 10 gallon tank because my main tank (55 gal) is in storage in the city where I go to school. I've been doing daily water changes of 20% to keep the water as good as possible with the load that I'm trying to carry. I know I'm waaayyyyy over stocked, but I had no choice. All parameters are perfect except for Nitrates. They are in the 30-40 range (which is a little high, but not too bad with all things considering). Would it be ok to do a 30% water change (AKA 3 gallons) every day? Could I do more than 3 gallons? I don't want to set my tank back into a cycle, but I want to have the best water conditions for the time being. Thanks for all your help. I know after reading this you're very surprised, but know this is only temporary!!

Shawnie

I would do 50% a day of just water changes because most of your bacteria is in filter media, decorations, n gravel...that musta hurt the fish hobby downsizing that much for ya!! goodluck and I hope the summer goes fast for you!!

Butterfly

At least 50% is appropriate for that many fish. How are they swimming around? Maybe you could get a large rubbermaid tub. When I was breeding bristlenose I used the 18g size to grow them out. They were like $9 at the Dollar Store.
Carol

jar05g

Thank you Shawnie for your response! Carol, did you use a HOB filter for your bristlenose? Ok, I'll start doing 50% the next time I do my change, tonight actually. On second thought, before I add water, shouldn't it be treated? I could put tap water (which is what I use) in a 5 gal. bucket, treat it with Tetra Safe and Amquel+ the day before, and then it's ready to add right? I don't want to take water out, then put straight tap water back in the tank, and then treat it. That could be bad right?

Butterfly

I used a sponge filter on the tub for small BN's and a HOB on the other one for the next size BN. I used the tubs for several months as I moved fry in and out.
You can remove water from the tank, run water from the tap into a bucket treat it with dechlorinator and pour it in right away. Dechlor works immediately. Make sure the water is the same temp or very,very close.
Carol

jar05g

Ok...I'll do that then...it'll save a little bit of time. Is it ok to add both of the previously mentioned treatments, or will one suffice?

pepetj

Hi jar05g:
I think you should add both, or change to Prime. You need some help locking down ammonia, nitrites, nitrates for 24hrs, as well as removing/neutralizing chlorine/chloramine. And yes, allways add that stuff in the bucket, before you put the new water in the tank, as Butterfly says. 50% should be safe and enough, considering your situation. You will feel really good when you get the 55 back on!

Have you considered placing a bundle (or two) of Anacharis? These low light floating/planted plants would provide more surface for nitrifying bacteria and could help lowering your nitrates a bit (maybe to 10-25ppm range) but in order to consider the expense of reducing the allready limited free swimming area, maybe trimming the plants to 4" tall, and you would end up with enough Anacharis bundles to plant all the way from right to left of the rear side. (Easier with sand substrate, but you can plant them in gravel with no problems, using rubber bands to group them in bundles of 5 or 6 of them).

Good luck! Enjoy the water changes (I literally enjoy doing aquarium maintenance).

Pepe
Santo Domingo

jar05g

Haha, I love doing the maintenance too!! It sucks with how cloudy the tank gets, but to walk back in about 3 hours later to see it sparkling gives a great feeling!! I actually do have a sand bottom and plants would be easy to plant, but I think I'll probably just stick with the daily water changes. I'm not a huge "real plant" kind a guy haha. I know how beneficial they are...but not for me. I appreciate yours and everyone's help. It's nice to have a place to turn to when you have questions!!!

Shawnie

my overstocked tank is always sparkling clean and never more clear when it has ammonia readings!! its totally weird but very true ...so keep a close eye on things and what carol said was a GREAT idea...the plastic tub thing.....goodluck!