Another H20 change question

[StevieM]

I change about 30% of my tanks water out each weekend. I have 2 light to moderately planted tanks w/o CO2 fert. and basically I get less than 5 ppm Nitrate readings at the end of the week. I stick to the 30% weekly just for the sake of having cleaner water for my fish, but do I really need to change water that often? or can I maybe go for 2 weeks in between? IYO, should I look into adding KNO3 to my tanks or stick with the Kent Pro-Gro, Blackwater Additive, and Freshwater Plant Supplent ( it was a 3 pack ) along with Root tabs w/ Iron enough? I would let the Nitrates build a little to maybe 10 -20 ppm, but I am worried about how other compounds will affect my Rams...they seem quite happy at this point so I am leary about changing my schedule or what to add to make my plants grow a little better. Thanks for your assistance...

steve

 

[wetmanNY]

As long as there are some nitrates, the plants aren't N-limited. Sounds like your bio-filter is so efficient there's virtually no available ammonia, and your plants are scavenging the NO3, which they wouldn't do if there were an easier way-- like NH4.

Sounds like you're pleasing the Rams! Your water change once a week is generally considered better practice than a water change less often.

If you have very little trouble with algae-- sounds like you've got the balance!

 

[StevieM]

I guess that is good news to hear! My algea problems are quite minimal save the few spots of brown diatoms and soft green spots that adorn my rocks and glass here and there. My chemistry isn't the best and possibly this is a followup for the plant section, but what exactly is NH4? and if I add some more lighting to my tank will that cause a problem?? Am I going to need to fertilize more? get CO2 injection?? My larger tank is a 20 gal and I can't spend all that much on Co2 tanks...I was thinking of doing a DIY CO2, which might help the plants out a little bit...my crypts aren't really going anywhere or my amazons for that matter. BUT...the fish are happy!! I just don't want to mess with things if it technically isn't broke. Any other input or additional comments would be swell...thanks again!

steve