juwel aquarium & nitrate

KenLoach - I've never had a problem with nitrates in my tank, but then it is reasonably planted with the mindset of using plants to soak up the nitrates as a naturally present fertiliser, supplemented with additional products eg, phosphates.

My reasoning behind 50% water changes being excessive is that 2 x 20% water changes spread over a period of a week is better for all concerned. Would also lead to less drastic changes in the water parameters eg, temp, pH fluctuation, as many people do not bother to match these from bucket to tank, leading to a mildly stressful time for the fish. But I guess it's down the the time the individual has as to whether they can do 1-2 water changes a week - I prefer to do 2 x 50l rather than 1 x 100l a week.

Agreed that if you have a massive spike, then a large percentage water change is necessary (20ppm is at the very edge of acceptable) for dilution purposes. However, doing large water changes masks the problem, and I prefer to find a solution at the cause, so try to use natural methods of plant nutrient absorbers.
 
Roan Art said:
Fish don't care about pH; they care about how hard and thick the water is.

As you can see 50% per week is more than fine.
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Agreed, but most people don't understand the relationship between gH and kH and subsequent buffering effects, usually on the water's pH. Was trying to keep it relatively simple and refer to a more commonly known measure which is pH.

So long as the water parameter's are kept as constant as possible, fish will survive better. You can keep discus in alkaline/hard water for example (traditionally a soft/acidic loving fish) so long as there's not excessive fluctuation in the parameters (+/- 0.5 fluctuations)
 
just to clarify, are you advising my 30% weekly water change is insuffcient?

what i can't understand is how my Nitrate levels have suddenly become an issue, could it be anything to do with the water temperature?

my flat has been warmer over the last several weeks due to the weather and the water temperature has been hovering on the upper limits and above of the green zone on the thermometer.

Can increased water temperature have anything to do with the speed of Nitrate build up in the system?
 
The increased temperature leads to faster nutrient cycling (86 degrees being the optimal when doing a fishless cycle) so NH3 > NO2 > NO3 more quickly. If the nitrates aren't being removed by natural plants and/or sufficient water changes, there is obviously going to be a build up of nitrates.

I am also wondering if you've replaced the various coloured filter media around the appropriate times? From Juwel's website:
White Poly Pad - change weekly
Black Carbon Sponge - change 4 wks
Green Nitrate Sponge - change 6 wks
Blue Coarse/Fine Sponge - clean/replace 1 sponge at a time 3-6 months

Some media, particularly the carbon, will do their job until the sponge can take no more and then chuck everything back into the water if you don't replace in time.

To control the current nitrate issue, I'd do a one off 50% water change, followed by your regular weekly 30% water change (this is fine). Oh, and add some plants if you haven't already.

Have you increased the bioload or feeding your fish more? (or are they eating less?)
 
KenLoach,

Would you please test your tap for nitrates? Your use of the word "flat" tells me that you are in the UK and the UK tap source water tends to lean towards heavy nitrates.

Roan
 
Roan Art - my tap water NO3 levels are 0ppm, I have been testing prior to water changes for the last few weeks.

Captain P - I change to poly pad every week at water change (incedentally I always do water changes mid week, as I've been told the water authority often add supplements to the water just before the weekend)
I was a bit late in changing the carbon and nitrate sponges last time, but the new ones have been in for about 3 weeks now.
I have had the tank about 3 and a half months and not changed any of the coarse/fine blue filters yet.

Fish seem to be eating about the same as before

we have live plants, 5 in total, but as we got them we threw away the labels so I can't tell you what they are!?! They are suffering a bit with hair/beard algea, we have been feeding them "Interpret Flora Boost" per the instructions on the box
 
KenLoach said:
Can increased water temperature have anything to do with the speed of Nitrate build up in the system?
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No.

Have you checked your ammonia and nitrites levels?
Have you lost any fish?
To see where this is comming from, start changing you feeding habits; once every 2 days to start. to much uneaten food will develop nitrates in your tank. If you think your not feeding to much then try gently cleaning the gravel at your next water change.

good luck to you
 
thanks darli, we use a pipe during water changes which sucks up dirt from the gravel with the water. Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrite 0ppm

we feed twice a day but only very little, the fish are allways ravenous when we feed.
 
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