20g Schedule

I have had my 20 gallon tall for over a year now but stopped testing after 3 months. I recently tested and ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm. I forgot to shake well for nitrates but I retested and got 30-40 ppm. (Using a liquid test kit). I think this is also the problem with my algae that just won't budge. Normally I w/c once a week (on Sunday's) but changing this to 2 times a week (sundays and Wednesdays) should help bring this number down to something a little more comfortable, maybe 20 ppm. Thanks in advance for replies.

 

30-40ppm nitrates isn't anywhere near harmful or deadly you could still keep up with 1 wc a week

 

If you do a 50% WC your nitrates should be below 20ppm. Have you tested your tap water.

 

I agree probably don't need to up the frequency just the amount.

 

From what I gather, 20 is preferred, 40 is the upper limit. Over that you need to start being a little worried.

 

If you do a 50% WC your nitrates should be below 20ppm. Have you tested your tap water.

I haven't yet, I will as soon as I get home.

From what I gather, 20 is preferred, 40 is the upper limit. Over that you need to start being a little worried.

That what I thought, I just don't want to go over.

Many of you suggested more water volume instead of more water changes, I'm doing maybe 15 percent a week. Is there a reason to do more volume than water changes.

 

15% is too small. 30% would be the least I would consider. WC removes nitrates. To do weekly WC figure out how much wAter you need to
Remove to get your levels to an acceptable level.

 

I haven't yet, I will as soon as I get home.

That what I thought, I just don't want to go over.

Many of you suggested more water volume instead of more water changes, I'm doing maybe 15 percent a week. Is there a reason to do more volume than water changes.

Say you have 4 ppm if ammonia. Changing 25% will drop it down to 3ppm. 50% to 2 ppm, 75% to 1ppm, etcetera. Changing 15-25% hardly does a thing to lower levels of anything.

 

Say you have 4 ppm if ammonia. Changing 25% will drop it down to 3ppm. 50% to 2 ppm, 75% to 1ppm, etcetera. Changing 15-25% hardly does a thing to lower levels of anything.

Ok.... that makes sense