The Puffer Forum

Ok, since we got my new GSP we've been having Nitrate issues.

Have a 32 Gal 1.005, 0 Amm 0 Nitrite and 50ppm Nitrate.
Been doing %50 WC every to every other day to get it down..but really...I need drastic help

Planning on doing an %86-90 waterchange ASAP, (Mixing each of the 3 5gal buckets with 1.08 SG, Filling the tank with that, then top it up with fresh to lower the SG to 1.005 then add some of this: http://www.bigalsonline.ca/StoreCatalog ... te&offset= to the filter, and getting some Nutrafin Waste Control to help get rid of everything in the substrate I can't vaccuum up for some strange reason (This is a tank that was converted from a FW Tetra community tank to a BW GSP tank over the period of 2-4 weeks, Remained fully cycled)

Anyone have experience with either product to get the Nitrates down? daily %50 isn't doing it to bring them down fast enough.

You just have 1 GSP in there?

Yes, just the one in there. Fed once a day, alternating between Krill and some blood worms. (as in one or the other not both in the same day!)with a snail once a week because I don't have any bred up yet so I'm rationing till I have a nice stock. I take out what krill he doesn't eat, and I feed him bloodworms from a pipette slowly making sure he eats one at a time till he's done eating.

I've been part of this site long enough to know better

Just checking. You defrost the worms in a cup & strain? This just doesn't make sense...

. Defrost the worms in a cup then I use a pipette to suck some up then drop one or two at a time in the tank as he eats them.

As I said: The tank used to be a tetra community tank. I moved the tetras out, and then brought it gradually up to 1.005, adding pure ammonia each day to keep it cycled while bringing it up, over the course of around 4 weeks or so. In other words, I was doing about %50 water change once a week till it was up to brackish. I'm thinking that there is still a whole slew of waste in the substrate from the tetras (despite my efforts at vacuuming...the python hose doesn't give enough suction sometimes) and it's decomposing causing a nitrate spike. Hence why I was thinking about getting some Waste Control and this: http://www.bigalsonline.ca/StoreCatalog ... te&offset= to use after a %90 water change to just try to normalize things a bit, and keep things normal.

That's why I'm asking. If that would be a good idea or not, since for some reason daily %50's aren't cutting it right now.

What test kit are you using? Maybe you should get it tested at your LFS. This doesn't make sense. If the Python isn't sucking it up well enough, just take your hand & hand-stir the substrate, let the debris settle & then syphon it off.

Hagen Liquid test kit.

I'm thinking about getting it tested at the LFS...I can't really read the card right on the Hagen. I kinda wish my Aquarium Pharmacuticals Nitrate test wasn't all pooched.

*sigh*

I had a similar problem with my GSP tank & was dong crazy lotsa water changes. Brought a sample to my LFS & it was <10.

Well he's exhibiting stress lines and glass pacing. So...If it's not the water quality (after getting assessed at the LFS) I'm gonna do a revamp of the decor to more natural looking fake plants and some lower wattage lighting

Ok, %90 prepping. Then if the nitrates are still a problem we'll do a %50, but only put in ONE bucket, remove the bucket, add another bucket, remove the bucket, add another bucket till Nitrates are >10

Uggghhh... what a PITA, huh? I'll give you a hint, but shhhh... don't tell anyone! I have been doing WC on my 1.005 F8 tank for about 10 years by adding the salt directly to the HOB filter, while filling it up from the hose. I add Prime to the tank before filling.

Would do that but I'm running an XP2 canister plus a powerhead >.>

Oh darn!

>.> Can't have too much filtration now can we?

Anyway the Mr thinks it's just a bi-product of converting from Fresh to Brackish causing the Fresh bacteria to die off en masse and the saltwater filling in the place

Good thing I have TONS of biomedia in my filter...

Sweet 5ppm Nitrates now.

Gonna test again tomorrow to see if it's still spiking. *sigh*

He's still pacing the glass, at least he's pacing, earlyer he was just huddled in the corner (pre-water change)

I think we'll be picking up some nice realistic looking silk plants and removing the neon from the tank...

>.>