Thanks - yes, I'm toying with getting the API tap water filter that filters nitrates. The only downside is some reviews suggest that the filter cartridges don't last very long (although I think they had very hard water). If this DIY tank nitrate filter works, I think if I produced 10-15~ gallons of filtered water a week or every other week for water changes, it would be good.
Note: prior to my discovery of high nitrates in my well water, I was doing 50% (30g) weekly water changes.
I think you're correct...but I'm thinking I won't even need that much of a water change. If the nitrates are kept low and the tank is kept well filtered and clean, it seems logical that the volume or frequency of fresh water changes can be reduced and still have a healthy, vibrant aquarium. Now here is a case where the periodic use of activated carbon or purigen may assist.
"what we have here [Luke] is a failure to communicate". Lets say I can get my nitrates down to zero by good water changes, floating plants, Fluval Nitrate Remover (ordered that too), act of devine intervention... Now lets say my nitrate filter kicks in and I can maintain low or zero nitrates. Now with the API tap filter producing nitrate free water...and a tank that has no nitrates...I should be able to do lower volume and/or less frequent water changes....and in a pinch, a small amount of my well water would only add a slight amount of nitrates (to feed the floating plants) that the filter would subsequently remove.
Just something to think about, but I believe that zero nitrates in a tank can help promote certain kinds of algae. I'm not 100% on that, but I think it's right. Could cause all new worries if you keep the tank steadily at that level. Maybe someone else can chime in to confirm/deny.
