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Nitrates levels too high2007-11-24 23:39:35

My son has a small 10 gallon tank with only 3 platies in it. The tank has been set up for 4 months. Ammonia and nitrite levels test zero, but nitrates are sky high and algea bloom excessive. I've been doing 50% water change weekly. Is there any way to control the nitrate levels in this small tank?

Answers:

I'm suprised that after 4 months with only 3 platies that you are still having nitrate problems. If you didn't just recently add the fish, there is a good chance you are feeding them too much. I would cut back on how much you feed them (only once a day, and only what they can eat before it sinks or what they can eat in 3 minutes, whichever comes first) and start doing 20% water changes every 1-2 days. As for the algae bloom, turn of the aquarium light and make sure it isn't getting direct sunlight from a window. Leave it without light for a few days to a week, and then when you do turn the light on, cut back on the amount of time the light is on (if it is on more than 8 hours, cut back to 8 hours, if it is on 8 hours or less, cut the time by an hour). This will help prevent more algae from growing. Also, platies like salt, so if you don't already keep salt in the aquarium, you can add 1-2 tbsp of aquarium salt to reduce stress on the fish while you are dealing with the nitrate problem. Once nitrates are under control, you may want to invest in an algae eating fish. Do research into the type of algae you have and get something that prefers to eat that type. I would suggest oto cats, siamese algae eaters, or shrimp, but stay away from plecos as they can be destructive and aggressive and will also outgrow your tank.

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You need to siphon the tank. This vacuums the bottom of the tank and cleans the bad things that cause algea to bloom on the bottom. You can also buy a product at you local pet store that brings these levels down, but without a 20% water change and siphon, it will return shortly after. You only need to do a 20% water change at the most, or it could cause algea to bloom. You also have to make sure the tank is to where it does not get direct sun light. If it does this is another cause of the algea.

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Add plants first. LOTS of plants will suck up the nitrates and edge out the algae. Before adding clean the algae by hand. Upgrading to a bigger tank at least 2 feet will do wonders. Small tanks are hard to upkeep with more water changes and faster spread of disease. a dead fish in a small 1 foot tank will kill off water quality even but in a 2-3 footer will not do that much damage as fast. Also consider the fact that your filter is ineffective.

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you need to do small frequent water changes with a gravel vac every few days until it goes down ( 15-20%) then once it does then do your weekly changes (50-75%)

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Water changes, water changes and more water changes. Don't ever add chemicals to the tank, the less you mess with stuff like that the better. Only having 3 platies in a 10 gallon you shouldn't be having a problem with the nitrates unless you are over feeding them. Live plants will work but if you are like me they won't last very long, try feeding them half of what you are feeding now and see if that helps. And if you don't have a gravel vac then get one, they not only clean all the poo and other debris from the gravel but they make water changes a lot easier.

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The only way to lower nitrate levels is to add plants or do frequent water changes.