Hi All,
I posted before about my tank and the nitrates reading 160. I have since bought a bulk supply of tetra brand test strips which test several things. My water conditions remain normal *aside from the nitrates* which move between 80 and 160. I have added Prime to the water (it claims to lower nitrates among other things). I have started water changes (25 percent weekly). No real change in nitrate levels.
I really do not know what else to do. The fish are ok and seem happy. My female molly has has two round of babies. I did find a taker for the male molly and several babies. Currently the mollies - I can sex - are all females. So I am at 3 tetras, 2 adult mollies, 3 - two month old mollies, 5 - 1 month old mollies and 3 otos. I do not think that is too many for the 37 gallons right now but as the babies grow, I may need to find homes for a few more.
Still the nitrate levels remain high.
Also the adult black molly had white splotches again. I thought it was fin rot before and treated the water for 7 days and it seemed to improve. But its back. It first happened after I introduced a new molly that later died. I am not sure if its fin rot or its ick. I wish I knew. The person who bought this tank for my then 3 year old said freshwater tanks were easy and told me you never even have to do water changes as that just stresses the fish out. Of course her tank is completely dead now -- she did have it for years though with no water changes. Anywho...I am trying to get the tank in good order. Thoughts??? Should I be posting this on the newbie forum. Funny I have had the tank for almost 2 years and I am definitely a newbie still. I am now trying to learn enough to keep the one tank going. Its definitely more work than my cat is LOL!
I posted before about my tank and the nitrates reading 160. I have since bought a bulk supply of tetra brand test strips which test several things. My water conditions remain normal *aside from the nitrates* which move between 80 and 160. I have added Prime to the water (it claims to lower nitrates among other things). I have started water changes (25 percent weekly). No real change in nitrate levels.
I really do not know what else to do. The fish are ok and seem happy. My female molly has has two round of babies. I did find a taker for the male molly and several babies. Currently the mollies - I can sex - are all females. So I am at 3 tetras, 2 adult mollies, 3 - two month old mollies, 5 - 1 month old mollies and 3 otos. I do not think that is too many for the 37 gallons right now but as the babies grow, I may need to find homes for a few more.
Still the nitrate levels remain high.
Also the adult black molly had white splotches again. I thought it was fin rot before and treated the water for 7 days and it seemed to improve. But its back. It first happened after I introduced a new molly that later died. I am not sure if its fin rot or its ick. I wish I knew. The person who bought this tank for my then 3 year old said freshwater tanks were easy and told me you never even have to do water changes as that just stresses the fish out. Of course her tank is completely dead now -- she did have it for years though with no water changes. Anywho...I am trying to get the tank in good order. Thoughts??? Should I be posting this on the newbie forum. Funny I have had the tank for almost 2 years and I am definitely a newbie still. I am now trying to learn enough to keep the one tank going. Its definitely more work than my cat is LOL!
