Does more filters = less nitrates in tank water?

Hello, I am wondering if more filters in a tank would help keep nitrates down? Like in a 55g if I were to put a sponge filter in each end and an aqua clear 110 in the middle… would that lessen nitrates faster/more effectively than just one filter?

 

Unless you were somehow creating anaerobic bacteria that can process nitrates (like saltwater does in deep sand beds), then no. The extra filtration is just going to mean that you might be more efficient in creating nitrates, not getting rid of them.

 

I am wondering if more filters in a tank would help keep nitrates down?

No. The microorganisms in a filter turn Ammonia into Nitrite and Nitrite into Nitrate.

 

Would also have a benefit of clearing particles out of the water quicker after a water change or some other disruption to substrate.

 

I believe a deep gravel substrate in a freshwater environment also provides anaerobic denitrification.

 

So if I have too much filtration then I could be doing harm?

 

So if I have too much filtration then I could be doing harm?

No. The amount of Nitrates produced depends on the amounts of ammonia and nitrite. You can't produce more Nitrate than the input of Nitrogen compounds allows for. More filters only means the process is done more effective.

But the stuff accumulates. That's why we do waterchanges. There are also many more waste products besides Nitrates that also have to be removed that we can't just test for. Nitrate is just one factor we use as an indicator for waterquality.

 

As others have said, more filters doesn't equal lower nitrates. More plants, however, will equal lower nitrates.

 

Sooooo would it be a good idea to use multiple filters? Or would I just be better off not doing so?

 

Nothing wrong with over filtration. Doing so will provide more flow, more aeration & the potential to increase stock levels.

 

Yep I can get carried away with filters. 2 per tank minimum.

I do notice however that running multiple filters on multiple tanks I can really notice my electric usage.