Ph, Nitrate, And Nitrite Problems

Nitrates 80-160ppm
Ph is at 6.4
Nitrites 0.5-1.0 ppm
Ammonia 0-1.25 ppm

Tap water levels are
1ppm Ammonia
0ppm Nitrite
0ppm Nitrate
7.6 Ph

Filter Aquaclear 20
10 Gallon tank
4 killifish

Long story short, Nitrite have dropped down from 5ppm. Nitrates have heavily increased. In the 9th week of cycling. Ph and nitrates have me worried. What are y'alls recommendations. What kind of plants should I put in there also? Substrate is Caribsea Supernaturals Aquarium Sand which is very fine grain. Any advice will be helpful thank you.

 

Can you test the KH of your water at all? If the KH is too low your water can't maintain a stable pH. There are ways to fix this, but it would be helpful to know the exact measurements of your KH first.

The first thing I would do is a big water change... not sure when your last one was, but you should be doing them at least once a week.

As far as plants I would put in easy, fast growing stem plants like Rotala indica, hornwort, or anacharis. These are natural nitrate sponges and will keep your water parameters under control, as will floating plants like duckweed. For anything planted you will need root tabs.

 

I don't know what my Kh is but I heard Ph reduces with high nitrates. My last water change was yesterday. My next one is going to be Tuesday morning. What percent water change, I'm thinking 90%

 

I don't know what my Kh is but I heard Ph reduces with high nitrates. My last water change was yesterday. My next one is going to be Tuesday morning. What percent water change, I'm thinking 90%

With nitrates at 180ppm, a 90% water change will leave you with 20ppm. 20ppm or less is what is recommended by the majority of the forum.

Technically, the lower the pH, the less toxic ammonia becomes as it is converted to ammonium... but your cycle bacteria don't break this down as efficiently. At very low pH (6 and under) there is very little to no bacterial activity.

 

If your tap water is 7.6 and your tank is 6.4 I wouldn't do 90% water changes. That is to big a ph swing for your fish. I would do much smaller water changes. I would be doing no more than 30% water changes but I would be doing them daily until you get those nitrates under control.

 

If your tap water is 7.6 and your tank is 6.4 I wouldn't do 90% water changes. That is to big a ph swing for your fish. I would do much smaller water changes. I would be doing no more than 30% water changes but I would be doing them daily until you get those nitrates under control.

That's actually a really good suggestion, hadn't considered the pH shock in my reply, only the high nitrates.

 

Sounds like this is a fishless cycle. If so, 90% WC should be fine.

 

Fish in cycle

 

Sounds like this is a fishless cycle. If so, 90% WC should be fine.

Original post lists 4 Killifish

Fish in cycle

Are you using Prime for your water conditioner? Since you are still registering nitrites and ammonia I would recommend using it. It leaves both there to help your cycle but it renders them less harmful for your water pets. It only helps up to a total of 1.0 but water changes should keep them at or below that number.


oops, sorry mods for making extra work for you. I know I shouldn't have made back to back posts

 

Are you using Prime for your water conditioner? Since you are still registering nitrites and ammonia I would recommend using it. It leaves both there to help your cycle but it renders them less harmful for your water pets. It only helps up to a total of 1.0 but water changes should keep them at or below that number.


oops, sorry mods for making extra work for you. I know I shouldn't have made back to back posts

Yes, I do dose prime to keep the nitrite in check. Hopefully, I can get this under control.

 

Yes, I do dose prime to keep the nitrite in check. Hopefully, I can get this under control.

Great!!! Water changes and patience will get it accomplished