grrrr. stupid nitrates

[gharner]

just tested my nitrates today. the test read 20ppm. still a little high. could i have a fish with it this high?? and how do i lower it??? i did a 30% water change yesterday, and cleaned off the filter sponge really good. help please. :help: :help: :help:

:notsure:

 

[colsanderz]

By "could I have a fish" do you mean you don't have any yet? Are you at the end of your cycle? Might just take some more waiting. Maybe another water change.

 

[gharner]

yes i did mean could i get a fish yet. the ammonia and nitrites are at 0 so i thought that my cycle was done. my nitrates are a little high though, 20ppm. what do ya think?

 

[colsanderz]

Should ideally be lower, like 10 would be safe. Even then, might wanna get a few snails or hermits to tidy up before you get a fish.

 

[xnikki118x]

Originally Posted by ColSanderz
Should ideally be lower, like 10 would be safe. Even then, might wanna get a few snails or hermits to tidy up before you get a fish.
Agreed. Definitely better to add your cleaner crew before adding any fish.
gharner, your 'trates will drop soon enough. Patience is key.

 

[promisetbg]

Originally Posted by gharner
and cleaned off the filter sponge really good.
Take this sponge out, it will only contribute to the problem.

 

[gharner]

i have a small clean up crew now....3 snails, 5 hermits. i know that the sponge is just giving a place for the nitrates to build up, but how will i filter particles out of the water?

 

[promisetbg]

If you keep it religiously clean, it may be ok. In my nano I use a small piece of Pura Pad. I rinse it daily, and change them at least weekly. They come in a large square and you can cut a small piece to fit.

 

[bruder]

Or you can use some filter floss. Grabs debris really well and is dirt cheap so you can toss it after a few days.