larger changes
A good 50% water change is in order. That will take the nitrate to 30. Then tomorrow or when you have time, do another 50% water change, that will take nitrates to about 15ppm or a bit more. Keep an eye on the nitrates and use that as a key to how much and how often you need to change water. Picky fishkeeprs keep below 20ppm, some let it get to 40ppm.
I'll guess that the 1 1/2 gallon water change is because that is the size of the bucket. It is actually better to do 3 buckets once a week rather than 1 bucket 3 times a week. That 4 1/2 gallons is just the 50% you need (10 gallon tank holds less than 10 gallons of water, maybe 8 or 9 depending on gravel and decor)
You can turn the lights off for several days to get ahead of the algae. Turn the lights on only when you are there to appreciate the fish. (Assuming you have no live plants)
A good 50% water change is in order. That will take the nitrate to 30. Then tomorrow or when you have time, do another 50% water change, that will take nitrates to about 15ppm or a bit more. Keep an eye on the nitrates and use that as a key to how much and how often you need to change water. Picky fishkeeprs keep below 20ppm, some let it get to 40ppm.
I'll guess that the 1 1/2 gallon water change is because that is the size of the bucket. It is actually better to do 3 buckets once a week rather than 1 bucket 3 times a week. That 4 1/2 gallons is just the 50% you need (10 gallon tank holds less than 10 gallons of water, maybe 8 or 9 depending on gravel and decor)
You can turn the lights off for several days to get ahead of the algae. Turn the lights on only when you are there to appreciate the fish. (Assuming you have no live plants)
