Substrate leading to nitrates???

[rockyofhockey]

Hey all, my nitrates have become a constant problem recently and I am thinking it is due to my substrate!!!!! There is a very hick line of black guck right underneath the surface
Could this be the problem?


Rockyofhockey _/.\_

 

[Mebbid]

Unlikely. The stuff that builds up in a sand bed doesn't get released very quickly to the water column. It would take a large disturbance to have a measurable effect on your nitrates. My sand bed looks the exact same way.

 

[gilpi]

Do you vacuum the substrate? And how often do you change water?


Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice

 

[rockyofhockey]

Do you vacuum the substrate? And how often do you change water?


Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice

Water change every Sunday 50%...... And yes I vacuum the substrate


Rockyofhockey _/.\_

 

[Mebbid]

Water change every Sunday 50%...... And yes I vacuum the substrate


Rockyofhockey _/.\_

I would stop vaccing the substrate then. Sand really doesnt need it and its truly best to just leave it alone.

 

[rockyofhockey]

I would stop vaccing the substrate then. Sand really doesnt need it and its truly best to just leave it alone.

But I have to get the poop off of it.


Rockyofhockey _/.\_

 

[Mebbid]

Swirl the siphon a few inches above the sand, this will kick the detritus up allowing you to easily siphon it out.