I have been keeping saltwater for awhile and now have to catch back up with my freshwater info. the tank is a 55g with 2 emperor 400 filters on it. the nitrates are up to at least 160ppm from not having the media or water changed in I dont know how long. tank wasnt in my care till recently. just yesterday i did a 75% change on it and the tests were done after that. what should I do to bring the nitrates back down? another water change? new filter media?
newbie questions on filtration
- Thread starter 55fresh
- Start date
I would do more water changes until your nitrates are under 20ppm, the filter media shouldn't need replacing unless it is falling apart.
What test kit are you using?
What test kit are you using?
Do it slowly though (15-20% every day perhaps), a big abrupt chance in water quality (even for the better) can create shock for your tank's inhabitants and can be devastating. if every one is still doing ok in there, then there's no real reason to be in a rush. That 75% wc you did there is rather risky.
For filter & media just whoose it in the old water you took out form the tank so that food and debris fall out then put it back in. Don't wash it with tap water, don't dry it, don't squeeze it.
K
For filter & media just whoose it in the old water you took out form the tank so that food and debris fall out then put it back in. Don't wash it with tap water, don't dry it, don't squeeze it.
K
You should at least clean the blue pads or more likely replace them. You can rinse them in dechlorinated water. The wheels whould never need cleaning and should never be allowed to dry out.
No carbon isn't needed, you could replace it with a sponge, filter floss or more bio media.
Your nitrates are still high, i would do a large water change to get them under 20ppm.
Your nitrates are still high, i would do a large water change to get them under 20ppm.
Carbon is technically never needed per se, but you have that backwards. You would take carbon out when medicating, because otherwise it removes the meds. I like carbon personally, it makes for nice clear water, but others don't care if they have chemical media. Sponges work great. But either way, yes your filter cartridges need to be replaced. The biowheels work forever though.