Nitrates

[JoeyGGGG]

I have API liquid test kit and tonight I decided I would test for nitrates because I hadn't ever tested before, idk why. To my surprise I found that it showed my nitrate levels being around 180 ppm. I plan to do a large wc tomorrow but why is it that high? I have 4 live plants in the tank and I though that was suppose to keep them down. My blues rams that are in the Tank now are doing great and swimming around like they normally do. I was thinking maybe false test? Also does Anyone else's testing tubes also leak?

 

[Hubert90]

I have API liquid test kit and tonight I decided I would test for nitrates because I hadn't ever tested before, idk why. To my surprise I found that it showed my nitrate levels being around 180 ppm. I plan to do a large wc tomorrow but why is it that high? I have 4 live plants in the tank and I though that was suppose to keep them down. My blues rams that are in the Tank now are doing great and swimming around like they normally do. I was thinking maybe false test? Also does Anyone else's testing tubes also leak?

it could be a false reading! are u able to get ur LFS or a friend to double check? and yes API test tubes do leak! how i deal with it is wrap the test tube in tissue paper and have my index finger on top of the lid and my thumb on the bottom!

so ya, if u are able to get someone to test it for u with a different test kit that will be great! and wouldnt hurt to do a PWC before then anways all the best dude

 

[JoeyGGGG]

Haha that tissue thing sounds like a good resolves you would think after all the warnings they put on the packing and instructions it would be as safe as possible but o well ha. I'll go to petsmart tomorrow have them test some water then probably buy a new test kit. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Hubert90]

Haha that tissue thing sounds like a good resolves you would think after all the warnings they put on the packing and instructions it would be as safe as possible but o well ha. I'll go to petsmart tomorrow have them test some water then probably buy a new test kit. Thanks for the reply!

Haha ya I know right. all the best with everything! Keep us posted!

 

[JoeyGGGG]

O course

 

[jetajockey]

are you dosing ferts?

 

[JoeyGGGG]

Yes the aqueon brand once a week, I haven't dosed in about a week though

 

[jetajockey]

was just wondering if that was the source of your nitrates. Is the tank heavily stocked? I would do a 50% wc and test it again, then if it tests lower, do another big wc and get those nitrates under control.

 

[JoeyGGGG]

2 blue rams, 1 Cory, 1 khuli loach, 4 apple snails, and 12 ghost shrimp in a 10 gal. But yeah wc I'll get right on that as soon as I can

 

[jetajockey]

yeah that's a pretty heavy stocking for a 10g. Apple snails are poop machines.

 

[Hubert90]

2 blue rams, 1 Cory, 1 khuli loach, 4 apple snails, and 12 ghost shrimp in a 10 gal. But yeah wc I'll get right on that as soon as I can

Kuhli loach I believe needs to be in group of 3 or more. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[JoeyGGGG]

Yeah I'm going to disperse the snails throughout my other 4 tanka soon and I'm worrking on putting the loach in a very sparsely populated 10 gal as soon as I can get a few more loaches to accompany him or her.

 

[adadkins1]

Another thing is cories are schooling fish so it would really do better if it was in a school of 5+. What kind of cory do you have?

 

[JoeyGGGG]

Sorry Been busy lately I bought a new test kit and tested again and nitrates are in the teens but I did a water change after that anyway and all is well thanks

 

[JoeyGGGG]

I don't really know what kind? It is speckled and is suppose to only get to 2.5 inches supposably. Sorry can't upload pics