Overstocked and Nitrates?

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xiliquiern

AC Members
Aug 31, 2004
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We've had some ongoing Nitrate problems recently, and wanted to see what the opinion is here.

26 gal

5 angel fish (I personally think that's too many...)
2 glass catfish
1 small 2" catfish "darter"
1 2" 'Chinese Butterfly Loach'

Eclipse Filtration

Here's what happens. Water change makes everything awesome. ph 7 (+/-.1), no amonnia, nitrites, and very little or no nitrates. Then, about 3 days afterwards, things start looking a little hazy, then about 2 later, couldiness. At that point, Nitrates are climbing back up.

Weekly 3-5 gallon water changes are being done.

What is your opinion?
 
I agree that 5 angels are too much for a 26, particularly once they mature. The rise in nitrates, however, is perfectly normal. Reducing the bioload will help, but water changes are still required to reduce nitrates in an unplanted tank. How high are the nitrates getting in between? The cloudiness is most likely unrelated to the nitrates, unless it's a green cloud.
 
Your nitrates are going up because they are the result of fish waste. After a water change, they are lowered, then the waste stays in the tank until the next change. Meanwhile, the nitrates raise.

You're right. 5 angels is way too much for a tank that size. My single angel is just about too big for the 29g tank he is in. I would never even attempt keeping more than two in a 29g and even that seems cramped.

I would increase your water changes. That amount is not a lot. Basically, use the nitrate test to be your guide as to how many water changes, and how large, you should be doing. Keep the nitrates below 40 ppm (below 20ppm would be more ideal).

As Orion asked, what are your levels?
 
Well, about the time for water changes, they are about 60ppm. I've had this tank for a while and it cycled (though that was an uphill battle). I think that finding a store that will take my angels is my next step here.

Note: If not changed for over a week or so, the white cloud does become green. I think it is algae created because of the nitrates.

Here is a pic of the tank as it sits now. The camera has given it a rather green hue...it doesn't look nearly like that in real life, although a pale green is noticeable (been about 6 days).

IMG_0254.jpg
 
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A few things to consider. How much are you feeding? Do you rinse the filter media? Any chance of adding real plants? None of these things will change that 5 angels in a 26 will be cramped, but they will help. I'd also consider doing more than 4-6 gallon water changes. 10-15 gallons every week will help reduce the nitrates better, and keep them lower in the long run. The cloudiness likely is the result of something else in addition to the food supply. Try this: take a white cup of tank water, see if it looks green (I've found that the camera really doesn't lie too much about green water). If it does look green, we'll need to look at other factors, because high nitrates alone are not enough to cause green water.
 
A few things to consider. How much are you feeding?
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They get 2 feedings a day of Tetra tropical flake food. about 12 or 14 flakes are fed each time, amounting to a stack about .5" in diameter and only about 1 or 2 millimeters tall. None of it hits the bottom...they eat very quickly.

Every other day they get a subsitute feeding (in place of one flake feeding) of frozen blood worms. I use a medication squirter (never been used for medication) to deliver the food.

Do you rinse the filter media?
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Yes. Usually every water change, but if it isn't showing signs of gunk, I'll let it go another 2 or 3 days.

Any chance of adding real plants?
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I would love to.

Try this: take a white cup of tank water, see if it looks green...
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Nope. Doesn't even look cloudy, and there are no signs of green.

At this point I think it would be best for me, the tank, and most importantly the fish, if I found them a good aquarium store to be resold by to someone with a more capable tank. I had the concet '25 for the first angel, 10 for every other' in my mind, but was constantly reassured by various sales people that five would be fine.

I think losing the angels, planting the tank with some nice tall plants and some fuzzy plants, maybe some carpet (so to speak) and adding some raspboras would be nice. I just don't have the equipment for the fish. :sad:
 
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Swapping out the angels and going with something smaller will help, as will the plants. I would cut back to feeding once daily--the fish really will be just fine on that, and it will reduce the amount of waste available for converting to nitrates.
 
OrionGirl said:
I would cut back to feeding once daily--the fish really will be just fine on that, and it will reduce the amount of waste available for converting to nitrates.
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I'll do that and see what happens. Meanwhile, I'll start looking for someone who will take 5 angels.

Thanks a lot =)
 
Are you doing a thorough gravel cleaning when you do water changes. If not it could be a build up of organics in the gravel. I have 12 more gallons than your tank and 4 times the fish with no problems with water quality. I think some plants would help and maybe some increased filtration. Maybe replace the chemical module in the Eclipse with some filter floss for increased biological capacity.

Also I would follow Oniongirl's advice and increase your water change to 40-50%. As long as you treat the water and get the temp right, the fish should like it.

Just some thoughts. :cool:
 
My apologies to OrionGirl. No insult intended. I should have checked that I had the name correct before I posted.
 
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