Water change to reduce Nitrates

[katgirl]

I have a 5 gallon tank which has been cycled for 2 months. I have one betta fish living happily in it. Recently the Nitrates began to rise to 10 ppm every 3-4 days and I have done 20-30 percent W/C. It is hard to tell the difference between 10 and 20 ppm on the Api water test color chart for nitrates I feel like that is alot of W/C but the nitrates make me uneasy. Any suggestions on reading the water test and often should I be changing water?

 

[ruud]

To think that other minerals affect the nitrate reading also, not just nitrates...

in any case, I would recommend getting some floating plants, like frogbit or red root floaters. They don't require maintenance and take in nitrates and other minerals.

 

[lonewolf 47]

What is the percentage of the water change? Is it weekly? Have you tested your tap water for nitrates? Do you clean the filter with aquarium water? Is the filter adequate? Perhaps you overfeed? Please review those suggestions, it must be one of them. Me I have nitrates in my tap water.

P. S. If you can, get a salifert test, they are far better than api.

 

[CMT]

1. As some others have suggested, there are ways to reduce the nitrates if it bothers you.
2. 10-20 nitrates is almost surely not a problem at all. I personally wouldn't overthink it.

 

[lonewolf 47]

Sorry, I misread the original post. 10 to 20 ppm is rather excellent water conditions. Most people don't do a water change if it's lower than 40ppm. If it really botheres you, all of the above suggestions are good.

 

[Blacksheep1]

hi katgirl , welcome to fishlore

the floating plants are a great idea as your betta would appreciate the cover too , win win situation ! Just don’t let them completely crowd the surface so your betta has access to breathe air when it likes. I would also say be mindful of feeding, it’s much too easy to over feed when your cute betta fish always makes hungry eyes