Water Quality

[batman669]

The parameters of my tank have been pretty stable with no big changes, but I think some of the problems I have been having is due to the water quality. Listed are the current parameters:

Nitrate - high - 200 ppm
Nitrite - safe - 0 ppm
Total Hardness - Hard - 150 ppm
Total Alkalinity - Moderate - 80 ppm
pH - low - 6.2-6.8
Ammoina - low - 0-0.25 ppm

I don't know if these parameters are totally bad for the fish I have (3 danios, 1 flame dwarf gourami, and 1 pleco) . They all seem to be well for the most part and (at least the pleco) have lived quite some time. I am doing water changes every 1 to 2 weeks. Since my tap water really sucks, I have been buying water(still using a conditioner) and using that instead. If any of these parameters are really crucial what can I do to help resolve?

please help!

_batman

 

[canarsie11]

How long has this tank been running?

 

[Barday]

Hi Batman,

Your Nitrates are WAY too high, If I were you i'd start doing water changes more frequently.......

Do you have live plants in the tank?

 

[Joviella]

A 0ppm ammonia reading also needs to be attained.

 

[Nisha]

Your Nitrates are WAY too high, If I were you i'd start doing water changes more frequently.......

Do you have live plants in the tank?

Yup, your Nitrates are too high. You need to get this down some how.

1. Keep doing frequent water changes to reduce the stress on your fish.
2. Get live plants which will use up the nitrates in your tank and bring it to a safer level in your tank. Live plants are a very beautiful addition to the tank and your fish will appreciate it.

Here's a couple of links to help you get started with live plant selection.
Proven Performers
First Planted Tank

Hope this helps.

 

[clutterydrawer]

the tank is quite possibly overstocked as well. Whatever kind of pleco that is, it will be producing a LOT of waste, which is very bad for your water quality. there's also the possibility he'll outgrow the tank - do you know what type he is?

 

[batman669]

The tank has been running for about 8 months. It was running for about 2 years before I had to flush it completely out. The pleco has been alive in the tank during the entire time. Ive added the danios and gourami after the 'restart'.

I do not have any live plants in the tank. I always thought it was too small for plants. I've had tanks in the past and never had live plants and have fish live 7+ years.

Im not too familar with keeping live plants(gravel, light, etc).

I dunno, please let me know!

_batman

I don't feed(algae wafers) the pleco very often for that fact. I was unable to keep one alive longer than a week, but this one has lived about 3 years now. It is now about 6 inches (about 15 cm) long. It is a common pleco that I know of. Here is a picture of what it looks like (not a picture of mine)

 

[Aquascaper]

A Sailfin

He'll get anything up to 12" - be prepared

 

[clutterydrawer]

well, unless he's moved out of that tank he'll die before he gets to full size.

but yes, he does have the potential to get pretty big.

regardless of whether you've had live plants before, those nitrate levels are really not healthy. most people try to keep them below 40ppm. live paltns can help a bit - if you feel that your tank is too small, get small plants

 

[cation]

also, do us a favor and test your tapwater. It would be good to know if any of the nitrate in your tank comes from the water in the tap.

By the way, what size is your tank?

 

[clutterydrawer]

according to his sig it's ten gallons.

 

[cation]

Oh, ok, I'm being an idiot as usual.