Nitrate spike. Why?

I agree over feeding and not enough water changes. A 50% water change should drop the nitrates. Check again after 24 hours. if the nitrites have dropped you are good and can continue 20-25% water changes weekly. some nitrares are good 10-20ppm but too much on a regular basis and you will have major alge problems and will be doing more alge cleaning than anything. Just make sure to wait a week between water changes.
 
There is no disadvantage to the tank in daily water changes, or more. If the water is free of chlorine/chloramine, the more and larger volume partials you do, the healthier the tank will be. The water parameters will never drift away from those of the source water. Stability and high water quality are extremely important in keeping fish.

There are many myths in this hobby, and those concerning water changes are among the most damaging.
 
The water change brought down the nitrate. And I will be vaccuuming every week. I was probably feeding them too much. The water was pretty yuck! Just after 2 weeks! Ghost shrimp shells and uneaten food! Thanks for the advice! And about my angelfish. Will 20 gallon be alright, or should I put him in a 30 or bigger? I plan to get a few more angelfish. I like him and he needs some buddies, although he's buddied up with my glassfish, they will soon be separated.
 
I'm glad you have decided to get a bigger home for your angelfish. He will be much happier in a bigger tank. Plan to get him the biggest tank that you can afford and have space for, especially if you plan on having more than one. Your angelfish will thank you for it. Good luck with him.

Marinemom
 
I have 1-10 gallon,2-20 gallons, and a 75(not set up yet). My husband plans to also get a 55 gallon. This one will be mine. The 75 gallon is for my husbands oscars.---Long story/another thread. I would like to have the angels in a species tank. Although I've heard that they can be aggressive towards each other. But like I said, he's fine with the fish in the 10 gallon.
 
Perfect! you can put your angelfish in the 55 with other angels if you want. A species tank will be beautiful. Angelfish are very graceful in a big tank all to themselves. Just make sure that when you add angels that you figure in thier adult size and that as they mature and get bigger there will be territory issues. Give them plenty of hiding places and plants so they feel secure. Good luck with your angelfish and enjoy him.

Be happy!

Marinemom
 
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