High Nitrate

[topofsteel]

Nitrite = 0
Ammonia = 0
Ph = 7.8 (ish)
but my Nitrates are through the roof! between 20 and 40. Is this from Overfeeding? I'm about to do a water change. Thanks.

 

[bill1426]

Do you have an undergravel filter ???
If so get rid of it...

 

[rebelprettyboy]

What size tank do you have? And how amny time do you feed your fish? WHat fish do you have in there? 20 Nitrates isnt that high for a fish only tank but 40 is gettin high, but do a water change

 

[topofsteel]

55 gallon. A huma, coral angle, sharp nose puffer and a lawnmower blemy and 2 big hermit crabs and 5 or so small ones. I usually feed them once a day but skip one once in a while, No under gravel filter, 2 Aqua clear 70/300's. I'm doing a water change today.

 

[rebelprettyboy]

hmm 20 isnt to bad, but you would want to keep an eye on them... and also get a phosphate test kit and check those... but right now that isnt to bad, when you do a water change i do at least a 10 gallon one today and check them, later

 

[ophiura]

YOur nitrates are NOT through the roof, so don't do anything drastic...which can cause more problems that just ignoring it.
If you have a trigger in that tank, I think you will in time have problems, and it is quite possible you are overfeeding. Triggers can eat a lot, fast, and that makes us think they need it.
Your pH may also be tied into a high nutrient load. Do you have any algae problems?

 

[rebelprettyboy]

didnt even pay attention to his fish list yeah that trigger is going to get big

 

[sepulatian]

How often do you do water changes and how much do you change out at a time? Doing frequent, once every week-two weeks, water changes will keep your nitrates in check. Triggers and puffers are messy fish and usually require slightly more tank maintenance.