Nitrate Help

[dimples636]

Fisrt timer:
I was wondering if anyone could tell me info on Nitrates? I have been told that if your nitrates are high you should change 25% of your water and also perhaps add amonia decreaser. I have lost two fish in a matter of three hours. What can I do to prevent the fish from dieing while I change the water so it will help my nitrates go down? Is there any meds, ect that I can use to help the sick fish?
Thanx

 

[ricks280]

dimp,
i suggest you take what ever fish you have left to your lfs.
also take some water an compare to your test results.
what tests have you done? how old is the tank? size, etc etc, the more info you provide us with the better we can help you.

(rick)

 

[wax32]

Even though you want them low, nitrates aren't likely to kill a fish. What's your ammonia level? IS this a new tank, and did you "cycle" it?

 

[dimples636]

Thank for the advise. My tank is 55 gallons and the test kit is the sticks that tell you fi your levles are to high or low by the color on the stick. Should I look into another type of kit and if so which one? I have had my tank up and running since July. But ever so often my nitrates will go sky high?? At least that is what the test is saying.
Then I will change the water 25 or 15% and with in a couple of days or even a week everything will be getting better.
I bought a skimmer also. Thinking that, that would help. But I noticed right after I added the skimmer to my tank with in two days I had two fish die and a anemone?? Any sujjusetions?
Thanks for all your help.... )

 

[angelsrock]

you have to figure out what is causing the nitrates. this is how ammonia is started. first either food or something dies starts to rot. it is turned first into nitrite, then to nitrate, then to ammonia. so you definitly have to do a water change but figure out what is causing the problem.

 

[dimples636]

Thanks ) I did a 25% water change today and already everyone seems better. There is nothing in there that is dead, anymore anyways. I really think it was from over feeding? I was told that will make your nitrates go sky high? Is that true?
What test kit should I get, name? Right now im using the "dip stick" that supposable tells you when something is going wrong. But the problem I am having is finding out if my nitrates are high or low and how to fix the problem? Also PH, ect...
I keep reading books but they stay there's's stuff out there. Not a hole lot of info when it come to fixing the problems..
Any advise...
Thanks again )

 

[turningtim]

dimples, a couple more questions. What substrate do you have CC or LS? What type of filtration do you use? How much flow do you have? How much LR do you have? It seems you have a Trate trap somewhere. Also the cycle goes AMN, Trite, Trate and the trates get removed by weekly or biweekly WC's. First get a real test kit. I heard Salifert is the best but look around. This will give you a better idea of what is going on and how much your levels change. What is your SG? Do you use a hydrometer or refractometer. If you don't have a refracto try and get one.
But for now get your LFS to test your water and compare with what you get. Keep doing WCs until readings are in range and try and find where waste is collecting. Yes overfeeding can be a problem the extra food will collect and create the trates.
You need to stabilize your tank before you do anything else! Please post all your readings and we can help.
Tim

 

[dimples636]

My carpet anemone is stuck in my flow jet. I think that he still might be alive since Half of his body is sticking out from the bottom of the flow jet and if poof "E'. I turned off the jet but how can I get him out with out damaging him more then he maybe??? :help:
Thanks

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by angelsrock
you have to figure out what is causing the nitrates. this is how ammonia is started. first either food or something dies starts to rot. it is turned first into nitrite, then to nitrate, then to ammonia. so you definitly have to do a water change but figure out what is causing the problem.
you've got that backwards Angels:
Ammonia(extremely toxic)>Nitrite(very toxic)>Nitrate>O2 and N gas(if anearobic bacteria present)

 

[angelsrock]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
you've got that backwards Angels:
Ammonia(extremely toxic)>Nitrite(very toxic)>Nitrate>O2 and N gas(if anearobic bacteria present)
oops, thats what i meant.