How to Lower Your Nitrate/Nitrite Levels in Your Fish Tank
Do a 30% water change as soon as possible., Lower the amount of food you are giving your fish., Follow the general rule of thumb, which is to have 1 inch (2.5 cm) of adult fish per gallon., Test your water source for nitrate directly if after...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Do a 30% water change as soon as possible.
In order to maintain a fish tank, you should be doing at least a 25% water change every week.
When you do a water change, you are removing nitrate-laden water and replacing it with fresh, nitrate-free water.
Leaving this too long will result in a build-up of nitrate that can harm your fish. -
Step 2: Lower the amount of food you are giving your fish.
Remember that a fish's stomach is around the same size as his eye.
A little food goes a long way.
If you are giving fish several different kinds of foods (brine shrimp, blood worms, flakes, etc. ) then make sure the amount is controlled.
Place the food at feeding times in a place where the fish will actually be able to find and eat it.
Remove any uneaten food from the tank with a gravel vacuum or clean turkey baster. , Remember that this guideline is only for smaller tropical fish.
A 12-inch pleco cannot fit into a 12 gallon (45.4 L) tank, and a 10-inch fish has no place in a 30 gallon (113.6 L) tank.
Use your common sense. , If it is high, then find another water source, and do a water change with it. -
Step 3: Follow the general rule of thumb
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Step 4: which is to have 1 inch (2.5 cm) of adult fish per gallon.
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Step 5: Test your water source for nitrate directly if after previous steps you still have high levels.
Detailed Guide
In order to maintain a fish tank, you should be doing at least a 25% water change every week.
When you do a water change, you are removing nitrate-laden water and replacing it with fresh, nitrate-free water.
Leaving this too long will result in a build-up of nitrate that can harm your fish.
Remember that a fish's stomach is around the same size as his eye.
A little food goes a long way.
If you are giving fish several different kinds of foods (brine shrimp, blood worms, flakes, etc. ) then make sure the amount is controlled.
Place the food at feeding times in a place where the fish will actually be able to find and eat it.
Remove any uneaten food from the tank with a gravel vacuum or clean turkey baster. , Remember that this guideline is only for smaller tropical fish.
A 12-inch pleco cannot fit into a 12 gallon (45.4 L) tank, and a 10-inch fish has no place in a 30 gallon (113.6 L) tank.
Use your common sense. , If it is high, then find another water source, and do a water change with it.
About the Author
Nancy Hart
Brings years of experience writing about cooking and related subjects.
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