Update on old tank syndrome

[kimberly]

Thanks to everyone for no lectures & for the suggestions. I did three days of 10% water changes, plus gravel vac about 1/3 of the tank, then two days of 20% water changes with a little all over gravel vac. I have pruned all the plants to the best live parts & cleaned the glass thouroghly. I need to continue with the pwc, but when I tested today it was much better:

nitrate 40 (down from 80-160)
nitrite 0-.5
ph 7.2
ammonia- still zero

I will continue the 20% water changes for a few more days, then probably do a 50% or two & rearrange the tank and make sure to clean the hard to access gravel. Plan to retest in about a week.

Thanks again.

 

[Jchillin]

I'm really glad to hear that you were successful with the advice the members provided. The fact that no lecturing was done is a testament to the membership as well.

 

[coolchinchilla]

Kimberly, I'm glad it has worked out for you.