How to REMOVE NITRATES from your Aquarium. 3 steps to Balance Nitrate levels in your Aquarium

[@gravitatingawaytv]

if you were "baked" or not, I still say you hit it home on this one..thank you for helping me relax and not panic

[@MASSAquariums]

Glad I can chill you out dude.

[@murphdawgswizzle]

your videos have seriously helped me so much in my freshwater tank adventure, and made my entire experience so much more enjoyable, and so much less frustrating. thank you so much!!!

[@MASSAquariums]

You’re welcome. I appreciate the support 🐟👊🏼

[@MRTIGG3R86]

fell asleep waiting for you to get to the point.... most people already know its bad for their fish so just get to what the title says. for anyone who wants to know skip to 4 mins and 40 seconds.

[@MASSAquariums]

Word

[@heatherlomax1001]

THANK YOU

[@Dawgz15]

They do this to earn money. Length of video apparently is good for revenue. But ya boring AF.

[@tjboardman]

Cheers

[@Mythili9989]

Call me

[@reneap9049]

Thank you! I was doing my water changes, fully planted my tank, and still had problems. The filter was my missing link! Never thought much about it, cleaned the sponge and replaced carbon every other to third water change. I now see that it needs more maintenance than I was devoting to it.

[@MASSAquariums]

Good job. Now you know. 🐟👍🏻

[@quki3]

I’m new to aquariums and have started a 5 gallon planted tank with 10 male endler livebearer and tiny shrimp-I purchased 30 but only see 4-8 .. my question what else is there to do with the filters? I just watched a video that said to add a used unwashed filter and the beneficial bacteria will eliminate nitrates and nitrites this video says to ass new filters. Another said never change filters on water change days. I’m confused !

[@VikingsFan27]

I have a 280gallon custom tank with a 100gallon wet dry sump. It is planted with co2 injection. I have it full of different types of bio media, carbon, nitra zorb, filter floss. I do 30% weekly water changes with 50%-50% rodi to tap water to keep ph low. I am having a issue with nitrates. My issue is I can not for the life of me get the nitrates to stay below 30-40ppm. I use a gravel vac each week. Not sure why I can't seem to get the nitrates lower. Any ideas?

[@MASSAquariums]

That isn’t too high and the fish should be fine. Are you sure your tap water isn’t high in nitrates

[@VikingsFan27]

I am keeping freshwater stingrays. They are sensitive to water conditions. It is not deadly at that level however it is unhealthy for them. I have low nitrates in my tap. I will test tap again this evening. I am thinking about moving to a drip system. Do you have any experience with them?

[@chloemarion7242]

I always have a hard time finding good info for what levels my nitrates should be at. Just recently I had a spike (I added lots of plants) and the reassurance that my water changes will help/fix them was super helpful!

[@MASSAquariums]

👍🏻👍🏻🐟🌱

[@sandraragole2411]

👉👈🙆‍♀️ Chloe 🤔. Question.. Betta Flow🐠 isn't past 3 days. Traveling 1 hr today Petsmart but wunder if your tank & plants working. Morning from sunny Northern California. 🙆‍♀️

[@sparkyjones560]

Test the water out of the tap. A whole lot of times if you have high nitrates and seems like you can't do anything about it, its coming from the water supply and not your tank. If its the water supply then doesn't matter what you are doing to knock it down,, you are going to have high nitrates with every water change.

[@arielespinal23]

Hey Mike, Love you're videos! About year now I started a tank (55 gallon fresh water) my question is I do about a water change about every week if not definitely week and half at most I personally don't let it go past that, I clean my sponges rinse the media every 2 months and what needs to be replaced I do. I look from a side view of the tank and it always looks semi cloudy, should I change what i'm using in the canister? Canister is a Fluval 406 Water polishing pads Fluval Fluval Bio-Foam Inserts One of the baskets have half of Bio Max and the half has Pre-Filter both from Fluval And I also have in their is Fluval Zeo Carb Is there anything I should change? I hear that Chemi Pure Blue is the stuff to buy, but if i was do it I put one pack in the media two in one of the media baskets and remove the zeo carb... Fishes I have rummyred nose and galaxy rasboras Thanks, Ariel

[@MASSAquariums]

Thanks Ariel. Beautiful name. I use Chemi pure in all my tanks. Elite in FW tanks and Blue in my SW tanks. You could throw some in there. Filter floss will also polish the water.

[@blue-4_646]

Can moss balls take nitrates out as well?

[@MASSAquariums]

+Blue-4_ yes they work great for nitrate adsorption

[@MohammedAli-bk7kh]

Great information. I have a hang-on filter. When replacing the filter sponge and carbon and amonia should it be done at the same time or replace individually to not mess up the cycle?

[@MASSAquariums]

You can do it all at once

[@isabellegrant7]

Thank you for this helpful video I've recently taken over my dads 52.8 gallon fish tank as he passed away suddenly so I'm a complete newbie, I started by giving the gravel a proper clean and scraping the algae off the glass I then changed filters and did a large water change (his tank was almost green before I started) you can now enjoy a lovely clear watered fish tank and have purchased few shrimp and pleccies to help maintain the algae so far I've managed to get all the water levels perfect except no3 which is off the charts, my guppies and mollies are still breeding and the other fish seem to be happy but just can't get n°3 to be an acceptable level so this is really helpful thank you

[@MASSAquariums]

Sorry for your loss. That must be very tough. Happy to hear your fish tank is doing better

[@snakehandler87]

My nitrates have been high even after changing the water 50%+ but Ive had my fish for 5+ years and have been fine..id still like to lower the nitrates but idk what else to do.

[@MASSAquariums]

Your tap water probably has high nitrates. RODI Water is an option

[@crystalmiller9976]

Hi! Great video-thanks! I have a 30 gallon, brackish (1.012) aquarium with Mollies. I have a bubble wand filter at the back of the tank (which my Mollies absolutely love) and a Fluval U3 filter system. I have been doing the water changes like you suggested, but I still can't seem to keep my nitrates/nitrites low. Plus, I only have 2 adult mollies & 8 fry in the tank. I would really like to add some plants to help with the nitrates but can't seem to find any for a marine salt environment. Any suggestions?

[@sparkyjones560]

Algae reactor/scrubber. It will collect and build algae inside of it which will consume the nitrates but not in the tank itself the water just flows through it and the nitrates feed the algae then you just have to clean it out from time to time when there's too much algae and restart it.

[@meghansullivan8935]

I have a 5 gallon with 7 baby ramshorn snails and two harliquin rasboras (yes i know it is over crowded, i had three fish die in the span of 3 days beacuse of it.) My tank is to small to add a live plant, pluss i dont have a light. Should i just try feeding less and rinsing the filter along with more cleaning? Please help.

[@MASSAquariums]

Yep always feed minimal and do WC’s often

[@John-zp7xr]

thank you for this video. For the longest time I suspected that my hunch that moderate water changes, and clean filters is the way to go.

[@MASSAquariums]

Awesome

[@anthonypope8429]

hi what number should your nitrate be at mine has jumped up to 40ppm and all my fish are on the bottom of the substrate it has plenty of live plants its a 60LT tank i had 5 black mollys i lost two 5 platys only seen two i lost my gold sucking loach and 3 oto cats i feed once aday i clean my filter once amonth or i leave and do it the next month but i always check before to see if it needs cleaning so the fish i have left are still alive just about but not eating would you do a water change every day or every two days cheers from the unitedkingdom

[@MASSAquariums]

40 ppm isn’t that bad. I would water change every 2 weeks. You can do every week if you really want to

[@Purowalangkwenta]

Great video, I have a high 40-60ppm nitrate constantly since i finished my cycle last month. I read on some forum not to clean the sump. is it about time to clean my mechanical media such as foams and polyester ? its been a month since is i finished my cycle on my 140 gallon tank. any suggestions?

[@MASSAquariums]

+Chris Ongoing you can go 2-3 months.

[@carresteigerwald3278]

What kinds of plants? I only have plastic ones now, what is a good starter?

[@MASSAquariums]

Anubias, Bacopa, crypts, Amazon swords, Java fern, jungle Val

[@RickyKenerlyCichlids]

Just mentioning water changes in a video probably made many people think about doing one! I am happy the direction you are taking your hobby! Tank On!

[@MASSAquariums]

Tank on Ricky

[@nickyandersonuk1]

The only thing that is high in my tank is the NO3 the rest of test strip is good what do I do should I try a different kit

[@MASSAquariums]

Do a water change

[@markecgazda3880]

Thank you for advice!! Few days ago I changed water weekly 1/3 and yesterday I checked my filter it was already dirty although I washed it (in aquarium water) and today I checked parametres I have little bit no2 and no3 in my tank and I noticed small group of ballon on surface around cables or filter but now I dont see them I added bacterial started and tomorrow will change water about 1/4

[@adi6965]

Help!! Hey, I have 32 gallon planted tank and all my tetras, rams and 2 koi angels but my blue Angels sometimes gasp, what might be the reason ???because I syphon just bottom that's 10 % 15% water chnge.

[@MASSAquariums]

Need to get some oxygen in the tank. Try an air stone to agitate the surface

[@adi6965]

@@MASSAquariums I already have air stone in tank. I use hang on filter and airstone.

[@davidhackney2386]

How much water do you change of about 10-15% evaporates between biweekly water changes? Most of the time I keep the water level to the top and biweekly remove enough watch to equal 20% total that includes what evaporates. Is that a good idea?

[@MASSAquariums]

Sounds perfect

[@wabajack8250]

I’m new and I’m currently cycling a tank do you do water changes during the cycling process? My ammonia is 0.25 nitrite0.25 and nitrate is at a 1

[@MASSAquariums]

No I would wait until the cycle has completed.

[@wabajack8250]

MASS Aquariums how does the nitrate get reduced I thought the only way to do that was to do a water change

[@MASSAquariums]

Yes water changes but if your cycle is not complete you will just start the cycle over again.

[@wabajack8250]

MASS Aquariums so once ammonia and nitrite are at zero does that mean the cycle is complete?

[@gagaloo83]

I have a 5g and 10g tank. Live plants and sponge filters. I do weekly gravel vacuuming, and a mid week water change. I noticed my nitrate is crazy high right now, like 80-100. I've never had it this high. One fish isn't doing well, the other (in the 5g) is unbothered. I squeeze out the sponges in tank water around once a month. These tanks have been running for 3 years now. I don't know what's happening :/ Got any advice? I'm thinking maybe the fish (both tanks have 1 betta and 1 nerite) are overfed, or maybe too much plant fertilizer.

[@MASSAquariums]

Good be all of the above. Or it could be you tap is high in nitrates. Start by just feeding a tiny bit once per day and maybe don’t clean the sponges so often. You may be destroying you beneficial bacteria without knowing it

[@JL185]

My nitrates are always high. And I can’t get my water crystal clear I put some big rocks from the landscaping supply they are river rocks. Do you think that’s could be the problem

[@MASSAquariums]

Did you rinse or boil them first? Could be

[@uraninite8151]

But what do I do if my tap water has 0,6ppm nitrite will this not just breakdown and increase nitrate? Mine are at 40ppm and I’m having major diatom algae. My tanks high tech and only a few weeks old.

[@MASSAquariums]

That’s normal. New tank=diatoms

[@snarbleglarf4200]

I was wondering what the plant is that you have next to the Alternanthera and behind the cryptocoryne

[@MASSAquariums]

Crinum

[@snarbleglarf4200]

@@MASSAquariums thanks!

[@yearight1800]

Do you use RO water,distilled water, or tap water with water conditioner?

[@MASSAquariums]

Tap water with dechlorinater

[@yearight1800]

MASS Aquariums for your saltwater aquarium as well?

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

Will the filter actually clean it up cuz I change my filter every week man I like my water clean but everything natural

[@MASSAquariums]

All good

[@pnw_element9822]

I be worried to do a 90 percent water change I do about 50 -70 per week is that good enough for my discus tank

[@MASSAquariums]

Yes. Definitely

[@Mimi-fr8gf]

Please help. I am cycling my 200l tank for 7 weeks now and have only seen a ammonia spike to 2ppm that have now dropped to .5ppm. I have nitrates between 5-10ppm BUT I have never seen a Nitrite spike? I test my water every morning, could I have missed the Nitrite spike? I've also tested my tap water for Nitrates to be sure there isn't any in the tap water and it reads 0ppm. Am I almost cycled or has something gone terribly wrong? (Using API master)

[@MASSAquariums]

I would start slowly adding some fish. You’ll be fine. A couple at a time

[@Mako4108ify]

Hello, my nitrates are always around 100 after letting the water sit on the test strip for about a min 30 to 2min. I change the water at about 30%per week. All other perameters are good for my 180g tank but any advice on how to get the nitrates lowered would be great. I clean my fx3 filter monthly. The tap water I use has no traceable nitrates on the test strip. Should I be making larger water changes? I have several large anubis plants as well and i have a moderately stocked tank.

[@Mako4108ify]

My fish have not been dying but I heard over 40 can dwarf your fish.

[@MASSAquariums]

Maybe add some kore plants. If your fish are healthy and eating I wouldn’t worry about it

[@carlyholmes3604]

thank you for the info i use a sponge filter ive just done a 50% water change my level are a little high

[@MASSAquariums]

You’re welcome

[@AST_53]

After 5 years he still answers his comments what a legend

[@corthew]

What kind of camera are you using? It warps things as other things move over or through them.

[@MASSAquariums]

Was an iPhone 5

[@foryourprotectionoli]

I just did a full water change in my 10G aquarium and the next day 3 of my Tetra’s died I did a water test and all looks fine but on the NO2 & NO3 were at 0. Unfortunately pet supermarket and Petsmart do not have qualified people working in the fish department. Do you know the problem?

[@MASSAquariums]

Your tank may not be completely cycled

[@lrparrish227]

I am very concerned about what to add to the water when I do a water change & how much. I might be over cautious and adding too much. What do you add?

[@MASSAquariums]

Use API Stress Coat. You really can’t over dose it

[@lrparrish227]

Thanks I have been adding tap water conditioner, stress coat and stress zyme in small amounts....just guessing at it.

[@dodiesable227]

Interesting video. I have a 35 gallon tetra only tank that the fish are over 8 years old, and so is the "tank" as I have never cleaned it and only do a water change twice a year. Another tank I have, 200 gal, well planted with cichlids and cories, is constantly going "bad". I clean my two canisters once a month, I water change at the same time. I waitched this video because I was wondering how I can get the nitrate levels down. Everything else is at a perfect level.

[@MASSAquariums]

Thanks pant heavily or water change often but also a lightly stocked tank helps

[@dodiesable227]

Yes, I have reduced the number of fish and added more plants (which I know can also add to the "debris") I am at a point I think I need to take the tank all the way empty, scrub the gravel and start from scratch. Yikes.

[@rafidraffe5772]

hi i have 0 ammonia nitrite and nitrate . after 2weeks need to change water?

[@MASSAquariums]

You can wait another week

[@michaelaferguson9740]

I have a nitrite spike cant find much information on how to lower it any suggestions ?

[@MASSAquariums]

Water changes or your cycle is completing

[@emma5780.I-me]

I just changed my water with tap, been doing it for years. Cleaned my filter. Suddenly the nitrate levels are at an alarming level! Any other suggestions?

[@MASSAquariums]

Maybe your tab has an increase in nitrates. You can add more plants too

[@MikesFishRoom1]

Big MIKE! Question... I'm having an issue with some brown algae. I've always been under the impression it's new tank syndrome. Obviously not. My 55 g philly blu tank has been running over a year. You have any vids on that topic?

[@MASSAquariums]

Diatoms can pop up with poor flow areas or dead spots. Brush it off and increase the flow. If it comes back dance on it. Lmao. Haha

[@MikesFishRoom1]

+MASS Aquariums lol. Ok thanks man. I thought dancing just made it rain. I'll have to try that. 😂

[@PaulSlusher]

I seem to be getting VERY high No3 but ZERO No2! Advice please - I have a ton of plants, tons and a moderate level of fish in a 125 gallon. Is it possible that 120+ppm reading of No3 could be helping the plants but also hurting the fish? Are water changes going to lower the NO3? Is it possible that zero NO2 but high NO3 is ok? Thank in advance.

[@MASSAquariums]

Are the Fish fine

[@PaulSlusher]

Yes, so far. In fact everything is great except the NO2. So i replaced the filters and it improved. I have a 125 gallon tank and so maybe it will take some time with 15-20% water changes and more frequent filter changes I can get it under control. I even have some fish who are pregnant!

[@juliebrown1510]

I do regular water changes and still high of Nitrates. I do have live plants. But not much plants I'm slowly working on it. I run hang on back filter and canister filter, I cleaned them once amonth. Still high Nitrates. Plants can be expensive I'm working on that. So how else can you get rid of Nitrates???????

[@Lauren-dg6et]

Julie Brown what’s the size of your tank and what is it stocked with? What are your other parameters?

[@ajoyrod]

I've done all that. I have a betta in a 2.5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, 4 live plants, & 4 marimo moss balls. My ammonia & nitrite levels are zero. My aqua soil has brought my pH down to 7.5 from 8.4. Yet my nitrates are in the 40-80 ppm range. Any idea how to lower it? I do weekly water changes of 30-50%.

[@MASSAquariums]

Is your tap water high in nitrates by any chance?

[@samarcher6632]

The thing is if you do lots of water changes to remove nitrates, your also going to be raising the ph which is deadly for your fish especially if they like a low ph around 6.5. So what I recommend is a ph stabiliser which you add to the bucket filled of water before tipping it into your aquarium. This way you can do lots of water changes to lower your nitrates but also ensure your not raising your ph to much.

[@lynnechester874]

The nitrate levels in my tap water are 30 /40 %. When I do a test on the aquarium water levels are the same. I currently have a Molly a dwarf Gourami and an Oto. The 60 litre tank is a couple of months old and fully cycled with lots of plants. Since the nitrate levels are the same in tap and aquarium water, what can I do to reduce the levels or does it not really matter? Also, if I reduce the levels the algae won't grow and my Oto won't eat anything else! What is a 'newby' to do? Another thing is, some of the leaves on my plants are going brown, is this due to nitrates or mineral deficiency? Not diatoms because the Oto made short shrift of those LOL! Thanks for any help / advice you are able to offer x

[@MASSAquariums]

I wouldn’t worry if the fish are happy and healthy. Brown is a lack of minerals. You could dose an all in one like FlorinMulti

[@lynnechester874]

@@MASSAquariums Thank you so much for your reply. I was kind of hoping you would say don't worry about the nitrates :) I dose weekly with Flora Grow, one pump per 5 litres. If you think there is a better one, like that which you mentioned, please would you let me know? Today I actually felt the leaves and I could see though them so perhaps it is melt back? Anyway, thanks again. Really appreciated x

[@lynnechester874]

@@MASSAquariums Hi again! Sorry to keep bothering you but could you tell me if this is a good or a bad idea? I am upgrading to a 105 litre tank. At the moment I have a 60 litre with an AQUAEL 300 filter. The new tank will have a 700. Would it be possible to put the 700 in the 60 litre along side the existing one in order to start it off? Or would it create too much current? Appreciate your help x

[@rice2dub]

Just out of curiosity how often to you test your water and what tests do you run? I have the big API kit but I am a noob and still trying to figure out how often. I do 2 per week. 1 for pre water change and 1 after water change so I know what fluctuated. I just had to cycle a 10 gallon and I checked once everyday before doing 30%ish water changes. Anyway I really enjoy your videos and learning a lot.

[@MASSAquariums]

Thanks for watching. I actually never test my water.

[@electricwater83]

+MASS Aquariums same as myself you get to know your tank and what works for you! over stock=over-bioload+ happy fish

[@sarahwheatley5090]

Good morning, I've been watching your videos. I've had my tank for a few years. Never had a problem till now. I have a planted 55 gallon with 2 hanging filters on the back. But I have 3 newish Discus and I dont want to lose them. But my readings PH is between 6.5 to 7.0 no Ammonia nitrite 0, but the nitrates keeps creeping up. I'm preparing my water to do a 20 to 25 percent water change but I'm not sure what I'm doin wrong. I never had this problem till now. Any tips if you could help me with would be greatly appreciated! And of course have a Merry Christmas!

[@MASSAquariums]

Discus need frequent water changes of 50% or more

[@carols.2863]

Thank you for your video...I"m still a newbie and I have learned so much by watching the many videos out there and I thank all of you. I have a 20 gal. long with a single fin goldfish about 5 in., a pleco about 4 in and a betta fish. One anubias plant that is suddenly growing rapidly, gravel substrate, air stone and whisper 2-10 gal. filter. This is an established tank, water is crystal clear, but just started water testing with api fw master test kit. Ph 7.4, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate....off the charts...blood red. So I've increased water changes/gravel vac, added purigen, got rid of carbon, reduced daily feeding quantity by 50% and nitrates are better but still red. Could it be that my filter is just too small? I've ordered an aquaclear 30, polyfiber cut to size and the aquaclear comes with ceramic rings. I am praying the updated filtration system will lower nitrated levels. I'm also getting a filter sponge for my intake tube. Do you think the updates will help with the nitrate levels? My goal is to get out of the red zone so I can add a few more fish. Please respond...I need advise...the local pet stores know even less than I do...Thank You...Cs

[@MASSAquariums]

+Carol S. I think the additions will help but your best bet is to get a bigger tank. 20 gallons is not that big

[@carols.2863]

+MASS Aquariums ok...thank you.

[@joycew9941]

mike i did a thirty percent water change monday the fifth, my nitrites were great on Wednesday , today i took a reading its high, what do you think happened, also amnonia went up to, what the heck, what do you think happen, i just changed one thing, i put a chemi pure green in the h,o,b,, i also put in ferts under the sub strat, i made my own with dynamite15-5-9, in caplets every four inches

[@MASSAquariums]

+Joyce Wolan may be nothing but a mini cycle after your WC. If the fish are fine I wouldn't worry

[@joycew9941]

thanks man I'm freaking, i am going to do a canister sponge cleaning , maybe that is causing it to

[@MASSAquariums]

Don't clean everything all at once or you might repeat a whole cycle

[@joycew9941]

k i have a hob and a cannister, my canister is heavy bio media, and two sponge, i am removing the two sponges and putting in matrix to add to my bio home,, I'm place of the sponge, i also have my hob with a sponge and perigean and two smaller pads to catch smaller paritcals

[@MASSAquariums]

👍

[@adrianporter8415]

I’ve done two water changes 25% still showing over 25 added prime with the tap safe still testing this nitrite level any help please

[@MASSAquariums]

That’s fine. If it’s not harming your fish then try not to be concerned with the numbers

[@kingofrannoch]

my nitrate levels were blood red :( all i have in a 10 gallon tank are a betta a clown pleco a tiny snail and 2 corydoras

[@MASSAquariums]

Maybe it’s your tap water

[@Lucky73678]

hi.. have you seen the eco aquarium..supposedly no filter or ferts etc., What do you think?

[@MASSAquariums]

Is awesome

[@Dogs_crazy]

Can I replace my sponge to reduce my Nitrates? The levels are like 200....my husband brought home 10 new fish and added them to our established 70 gallon tank....fish are in major distress

[@MASSAquariums]

Yes you can replace it no problem

[@anthonyromano5420]

Is there a certain level or guideline number to go by for nitrates based on the volume of water? For example, a 180 gallon aquarium should never have higher than 60 ppm nitrates? Would like to get your thoughts.

[@MASSAquariums]

I like to keep them below 40 but I never test my water so.....

[@sergioortiz1839]

I have a koi fish aquarium if I do plants the koi will remove them. What are the best plants for nitrate removal.

[@MASSAquariums]

You could do water lettuce

[@bronzephantomgaming-9447]

I'm struggling, one of my molly fish is laying on her side on the bottom of the tank. She is still breathing but not moving with slightly rapid breaths. I made sure to change 25-50% of the water, but to no avail. All the other fish are fine and I made sure the carbon cycle was good before I got any fish, and introduce them slowly.

[@MASSAquariums]

Maybe just too much stress or ammonia

[@bronzephantomgaming-9447]

@@MASSAquariums possibly, though I've checked the water and it's fine. I believe she probably had something when I got her, all the other fish have been fine so far

[@brenden3466]

I had a 5 gallon tank and the water was great but I went to a 10 gallon and the nitrates and nitrites went up so do I put a moss ball in

[@MASSAquariums]

+Brenden 346 that would help

[@kawasaki000000000000]

hello I have a question I have had this tank set up for over a year with gold fish originally in the tank but took them out to go into tropical fish. I did purchase a new marineland canister filter before Christmas and set it all up. I recently did a water change yesterday maby 15% . I do have a co2 set up in the tank as well but my drop checker is greenish blue so I'm not going over and having too much . the test I did showed I have .25 ppm ammonia 0 nitrites but very high like off the charts nitrates like close to 100ppm. I don't really have much for fish other than a small plecos and 2 shrimp . any help would be great as I don't want to kill them and I have already had a lot of deaths as I'm not 100% what I am doing.

[@johnhook4946]

kawasaki000000000000 What is the question?

[@johnhook4946]

I would be doing a water change of 15percent every four days for awhile using water ager plus something to take the chlorine out. feed your fish less for awhile too, try suck up some poop from the bottom with a syphon

[@nebskipython]

I use RO for my South American comunity tank as I can keep the water soft and Acidic, however i started an african shell dweller tank and wanted to use my tap water, thing is my tap water is at 40ppm which puts me at a disadvantage. Has anyone used RO for African cichlids and what do you use to buffer?

[@MASSAquariums]

Aquarium salt should work

[@larryboldt8255]

I don't want to do water Changes, I only want to add water when the evaporation drops the level in the tank. How can I do that?

[@MASSAquariums]

Go for it but you may need to do occasional WC’s

[@efraingarcia9835]

nice video, if I make w/c every 2 weeks my nitrate jump to a very high level, I have a 125 tank with 3 canister filters 525 gph each with 23 cichlids 4 to 5 inches, I clean my filters once a month and need to do 50 % w/c twice a week because nitrate problem, I only feed my fish once a day only all that they can eat in 30 seconds and still nitrate problem, some advice?

[@MASSAquariums]

+Marilyn Viera PolyFilter pads and more media in your filters to hold more BB

[@kawasaki000000000000]

hello I have had fish in the past with this tank koi to be exact with no issues and or problems. the water parameters could be wrong and they still would be OK were tropical stuff seems to be more finicky. I have had the tank going for a few years . I installed a new marineland canister filter before Christmas and let it go. I have a bunch of Java Moss and also a few Arizona swords . I do have a co2 set up in the system to help the plants grow and an air pump too. I did a water test and I have .25ppm ammonia 0 ppm nitrite but I have a almost off the charts nitrates. I am unsure of how to exactly bring this back with out doing any major damage . I did maby a 15% water change yesterday. I don't know what to do and there is high a lage growth it seems like

[@MASSAquariums]

+kawasaki000000000000 all I can say is make sure you have enough media in your filter, only feed once per day, and have you lights and CO2 on a timer. Heavily plant and that's all. WC 25% every 1-2 weeks

[@kawasaki000000000000]

MASS Aquariums I have a marineland c360 with everything you get from them the ceramic rings and bio balls . I have not heard much of good things from that area.thankyou for taking the time to reply

[@frednixonlawncare3175]

Do you use tap water for your freshwater tanks?

[@MASSAquariums]

Yep

[@MrFishzilla]

My well has hard water and crazy high nitrates right out of the tap. Other than getting an RO unit, any ideas? Right now I m using 50% tap and 50% distilled water and Prime. Oh and this is a heavily planted tank.

[@MASSAquariums]

+MrFishzilla you could get one of those Pur Water filters to attach to your sink faucet

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

I have a AquaClear 500 i was wondering if i put a airstone underneath the media would that help out in the filtration I've always wondered about that if you put a air stone inside a hang on filter if that will help .. does anyone know where can help me with that

[@MASSAquariums]

I don't think it matters but go for it

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

OK thanks I will let you know

[@toguro5117]

Bradley Vaughn i figured it be noisy let us know how it goes

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

the air stone is very quiet so far everything's doing really good

[@jeremyrichards1085]

How much do plants reduce nitrates? I have recently run a test on a large fully stocked tank that had no plants. Over a week nitrates were increasing at the rate of 20 ppm. So I went out and bought a bunch of plants and the result is nitrate production has dropped to 10 ppm per week. I can now keep it under 40 ppm with water changes once a week.

[@MASSAquariums]

They do help a lot.

[@michaelmurphy6434]

Great idea to check your water as it comes from the tap, my NO3 from the city of Cleveland is 10, in my Cichlid tank it was over 200, so I just did a 30% and its now around 200 how often can I change the water? My pH from the city is 7.0 and so is my tank. My local "real" fish store said he just uses the city and never add pH+. Your opinion?

[@MASSAquariums]

You can do a water change everyday if you want. If the fish are healthy don’t stress about it

[@rdhoops1067]

Does Aquarian salt help at all with nitrates?

[@MASSAquariums]

I do not think so

[@ismailrasheed72]

I ve been boiling some teek wood for hours, but still tints come out...is it OK to varnish the wood for aquarium.

[@MASSAquariums]

I would not do that

[@imGlobL]

That tint is tannins, it's actually good for the fish

[@anthonypope7611]

hi mate I have 6 tanka on the go but my nitrates are at 80 ppm I have tried lots of products but they did not bring them down I do my water changes once a week am I doing to much would you do it ever two weeks instead as I have lost a few fish my nitrites are a 0 ppm I am going to try this new stuff that's out on the market called nitra guard they say it will get your nitrates down to 0 in a few weeks and keep them down three of my tanks have lots of live plants but my other three are just breeding tanks so I would of thought my nitrates would have come down cheers happy fish keeping

[@MASSAquariums]

Plants and water changes keep nitrates down as well as not over feeding. Feed once per day a very little amount. You can also try vacuuming your gravel better and cleaning your filters more.

[@anthonypope7611]

Would you clean you filters every two week as I leave mine to one a month

[@MASSAquariums]

Every month or 2

[@TheFlutterrbye]

What is an acceptable level for nitrates and nitrites?

[@MASSAquariums]

I usually say 40ppm and below

[@mrmarvelous2675]

Hi how u micro mass if u can answer back much obliged ive ben cycling my 55 gallon last 5 weeks fishless but added an albino clawed frog on the 4th wk i used fish food for ammonia and a shrimp to but removed wen i no it added enough so i had dark green ammonia den nitrites dark purple i had this for bout 3 wks 4th week seen them drop den today no nitrites tiny bit ammonia n nitrates near 15ppm did 50 water change but still tiny trace ammonia n trace nitrates shud i do 90 water change as i no ammonia shud be zero but my nitrites are did ido sumting rong pls hlp thanks

[@MASSAquariums]

Yes water changes and you can add a nitrifying bacteria like Fritz or Dr Tim’s one and only

[@dimasfishdiary9461]

Thank you for the information. But I do have a question. You do say that Filter need to be clean in order to reduce the Nitrate and that's included the sponge and the others. My question is, what about the UGF = Under Gravel Filter? As we know, filter usually use sponge, bioball, carbon, and anything else you want to put on the filter so cleaning it is a must, but UGF only use the gravel sands to do the works. So, how we, the one who use UGF, tried to clean it as it got gravel on it and to pull it out is the same as destroying the decorations itself? It would be helpful if you can help cause I got 2 Aquariums using this and I kinda afraid if the Nitrate become more growing cause of it. My Aquariums that using the UGF are 1) Many plants on it. 2) No plants at all. And again, very good video and thank you if you can answering to this question.

[@MASSAquariums]

Thanks I appreciate it. I would clean half the tank one month and the other half another month so you don't kill all your BB at one time. Just try and rinse the gravel in tank water or leave everything and do a deep gravel vac on one side one month and the other side the next month. I hope this helps.

[@dimasfishdiary9461]

This indeed help. Thank you very much for sharing the info.

[@gurvindersingh4674]

hi i was purchased new aquarium with fish but within week my 3 fish is die so what i do ? please help give my some solution

[@MASSAquariums]

+Gurvinder singh you need to cycle your tank

[@gurvindersingh4674]

MASS Aquariums so something do to for cycle tank?

[@harambe6248]

Before when I started my fish tank I did a water change every week, as well you mentioned that you should clean your filter every month I did that whenever I did a water change. So I want your opinion on wether or not that is a good or bad thing to do. Because I noticed a lot of fish waste and access food everywhere and I didn’t know how to control it at the time. So I assumed water change and filter maintenance was the best option. Now I’m starting to realize that there are other ways that don’t require as much work or time consuming. So again I won’t you opinion wether or not doing maintenance both involving water changes and filter is a good or bad thing, I really want to know so please feel free.

[@MASSAquariums]

Do why works for your tank

[@harambe6248]

MASS Aquariums So it’s fine if I do that, there isn’t a problem so far with my fish so I think it isn’t that bad.

[@Cccaleb09]

LOL, when he said piss.(and had a straight face)

[@MASSAquariums]

😁

[@Lewisloui]

"faeces and piss" xD avoids saying shit then says piss, made me laugh aswell

[@reecewest5090]

If you see this i have plants do water changes amd cleaned my filter in tank water but still high from 160!!!! To 80 instantly but does it take a while to go down. Would be helpful if anyone replys to this.

[@MASSAquariums]

More plants and more water changes

[@tannahrichens8157]

How often should I do a water change for a 5.5 guppy tank?

[@MASSAquariums]

Every 1-2 weeks is good

[@RexDogDelivers]

Did water changes 2 days in a row. Cleaned the filters a day apart now adding plants. I hope this does it. I hate to have to tear down the entire tank and start over.

[@MASSAquariums]

Check your tap water. Might be high in nitrates

[@RexDogDelivers]

@@MASSAquariums Yea we did that today. So they were high yesterday did a water change cleaned 1 filter. Today second water change and another filter cleaning (2 canister filters, 135 gallon, 1 Pleco 1 Red Tail catfish), so they were still high and he is at the top of the tank so we tested the tap water. It is normal. We just dropped in a bunch of Water Lettuce.

[@MASSAquariums]

👍🏻

[@elgezouliabdul4973]

Thanks a lot for the advises you usually tell it to me I think you are the best person to ask always your advise is to the point and I trust whatever you say.😀😀 For the last month I have had some problem with my discus fish fin rot, swim bladder infection and now they are very much better. My question please is how to sterilize the bio media since I am afraid to use it because I assume it holds bacteria, since I am going to use the filter soon for a second aquarium which has health fish . Also i have a huge amount of good quality gravel and i want to sterilize it as well. Shop keepers advise to replace the media which is very high coast and my bio media is new only 2 months old !!! Also I want the best way to sterilize the aquarium itself since I am having new fish coming soon ( I am not very fan to use bleach for sterilization) do you have other way?? I thank you very much for your usual help and support Kind regards

[@MASSAquariums]

You can use hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Both those will do the trick.

[@elgezouliabdul4973]

@@MASSAquariums great vinegar is ready at home , I will do it with out hesitant. Kind regards

[@iamlegend712]

You mentioned 'plants.' What about with African cichlid tanks? What plants can I out in there? Because they will eat it like lettuce.

[@MASSAquariums]

+Janssen Garcia Santos anything bitter

[@iamlegend712]

MASS Aquariums and that would be Anubias?

[@rolltide9173]

Mike.....I’ve been lurking all over KZbin fish, planted aquarium and product review vids for about a year now. I rarely post anywhere. Gotta say....I like your vids most. Great stuff and love your casualness. Keep it up.

[@MASSAquariums]

Thank you. I appreciate it

[@MichaelRodriguez-ci3dr]

I have a 10 gallon that's been ruining for over a year now, I haven't had any issues until today. My nitrates are around 120pm after a 50% water change. I don't know if I should do daily water changes and hope they go down or keep it to every week. My ammonia and nitrite are both at zero. The tank isn't overstocked. I have jungle Val and Monte Carlo in the tank so it is planted. Not sure what is making my nitrates so high.

[@MASSAquariums]

+Michael Rodriguez clean your filter out really well and get a new test kit. Also if everything is fine and healthy in the tank I wouldn't worry about it

[@leonneke12]

Michael Rodriguez i

[@209Control]

Leon Roes if you still having this issue check your tap water. My tanks skyrocketed and i kept doing water changes.. then i checked the tap water and it was ridiculously high.

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Michael Rodriguez one other thing. If you don't have enough quality media like eheim substrat pro or biohome ultimate you will never achieve a full cycle. Full cycle = less water changes

[@robertbock409]

Nice emphasis on new kit. My nitrate api test kit malfunctioned, even with a couple drops of aquarium water and rest tap the tube was cherry red. Took to local store for them to compare and it was defective. Bought a new kit today and im getting same readings. "Headache!" A great idea is to have test strips on hand to confirm accuracy of api drip solution every 3-6 months. I never had this problem when i didnt read the instructions of shake bottle for 30, shake tube for 1m, let sit for 5m. Lol

[@jimroyal1972]

I have struggled with Nitrates its driving me crazy! I feel a little better now. thanks. Would you ever use a chemical to lower nitrates?

[@MASSAquariums]

I guess if it was really bad but that gets expensive

[@jimroyal1972]

@@MASSAquariums Thanks very much. My well water is slightly under 40 ppm for nitrates to begin with. Not really into throwing chemicals in there anyway and would prefer the natural way. I have been working on planting too. Might help out a bit. All other tests are coming up great, just those nitrates! lol Thanks again.

[@jimroyal1972]

Sorry, also my nitrates test hovers around 40ppm maybe slightly higher.

[@T-BiscuitT-Biscuit]

could you or anyone help me, i have high no3 in my tank all the time, i do water changes every 3 days, filter is clean, i have some plants in there, got some devils ivy in there, its a 430 litre tank has an ef2000 canister filter witch should do about 500 litres , filter is clean i use prime conditioner for my tap water to treat it. api test kit says my tap water is 5ppm and other kits have tested the same but i will test my tank after a water change and its always red use two kits at the same time and i got different results but not by much. i see online people say wood could be the problem is this true?

[@MASSAquariums]

Most times this question is asked the answer is your tap water already had high nitrates. Test the tap quickly

[@T-BiscuitT-Biscuit]

@@MASSAquariums I have tested it with two kits both red 5ppm in kitchen and bathroom

[@krishathcox738]

I used Dr Tims and the ammonia solution about 3 days ago and my ammonia went up to 2.0ppm and had stayed there, hasn't gone down, is this normal? I nitrite is 0ppm and nitrate is 5.0 ppm witch was also confusing to me.....

[@MASSAquariums]

No clue. I put Dr Tim’s in and Fish at the same time

[@krishathcox738]

MASS Aquariums if you get a chance would you mind checking out my most recent video and give me your thoughts?

[@dlealchicago]

when I use fertilizer my nitrates skyrocket. I then do water change. it's like running air conditioning with window open. does fertilizer stay in tank still, or am I throwing money out the window??

[@MASSAquariums]

Depends on plant load. Try root tabs

[@Cameraman2419]

Hi I have a 75 gallon freshwater aquarium with wet dry filter for over 100g and canister filter for 65g and a hang off filter that I have live plants in. I have over 30 fish in my tank the biggest one would be a blood parrot fish and lots of bottom feeders. I am having problems with just my nitrates everything else is good. I just don't know how much water I should be changing I am not getting better results when I do water changes sometimes twice a week and I feed my fish every other day. I make my own water I have a RO filter System.

[@Cameraman2419]

When I am doing water changes I am taking out 5 to 10 gallons each week

[@Cameraman2419]

What is your recommendations for me to do?

[@MASSAquariums]

I would back off a bit and do WC's once every 7-10 days of about 25-30%. If the fish are eating and healthy I wouldn't worry about the numbers. Feed little do your maintenance and keep your filters clean.

[@Cameraman2419]

Thank You

[@dosmaiz7361]

Do you already have a video on planting and maintaining freshwater plants?

[@MASSAquariums]

I Do. How to take care of a planted tank

[@dosmaiz7361]

+MASS Aquariums Awesome! And thanks! Been shy about replacing my fake plants with real ones. So I'll def take a look at your video before making the swap.

[@urbansk8r231]

Great vid as alway. Im new to the hobby so i use to be ocd with parameters an house keeping, till you put me at ease. 1 question i have: I have a planted tank- i use ada power sand( porous volcanic stone for bacteria to live) under my amazonia 2 aqua soil. What's the best way to clean the subtra with out exposing the power sand or sucking up soil?

[@MASSAquariums]

Hover over the top of it best you can do

[@urbansk8r231]

Hi. I don't want to pester you with questions so i have 1 serious question to ask you. As you know im new to the hobby, so i don t know how to diagnose illness yet,. 1 of my harlequin rasbora has been acting strange. I dont know if it' a bladder problem or illlnes. I have 5 harlequins, 2 ott cats an 1 siamese algea eater. They all eat an look healthy. Well ive had my harlequin rasbora for a week. Mid week i noticed 1 of them mid way up the aquarium flip over on its side then i saw a flash of silver then it swam like normal. These fish like to play tag an turn sharply on a dime. So i thought i must be seeing things. Saturday came and i noticed 1 of my rasbora had white on1 of its pectoral fins instead of being clear. Im not sure if it was same fish, but i saw it flip on its side then back up again and acted normal. Then later on i saw a rasbora tumble tail first an as it fell it was twirling. I watch it for awhile and it behaved normal again. I hope i can fix the problem as quick as possible cause i dont want anthing to die under my care. I know 100% the store quarantines all their stock. Any help would be appreciated soz for long text thanks in advance.

[@jimbaldwin1990]

I did a 50% water change. awhile ago and Spot my gold angelfish died. After that I bought a test kit and found them "test strips" were totally inaccurate. I think Spot died from nitrate shock. Now I do smaller water changes mo often and no problems.

[@MASSAquariums]

That’s how I do it

[@joshromaine8234]

How long did it take for the rainbow fish to get to that size?

[@MASSAquariums]

+Josh Romaine 2 years

[@Inumoon2006]

Hi, I’m new to all of this and I just wanted a little clarification on cleaning your filter. I’ve been doing tons of research and I seem to find conflicting advice on whether to clean the filter every month or two OR simply “swish” it in old PWC water to knock the gunk off with the intent to keep the filter until it falls apart. From my understanding, the idea of the last suggestion is to keep the beneficial bacteria that the filter holds since cleaning the filter would remove it. What are your thoughts?

[@MASSAquariums]

You should clean your filter when you notice flow decreasing. I take the trays out that have my media holding Beneficial Bacteria and sit those in water from my tank from the WC, then I clean all the sponges in my sink as they don’t hold that much BB, add new carbon and filter floss (if used) gently swoosh the baskets holding your media to get any gunk or debris off and put your filter back together

[@Inumoon2006]

MASS Aquariums, I actually have a filter slowing down now so I will try this method and see how it goes. Thanks!!

[@bullitlbc]

Great video!! What if I want to add plants in my tank, but I have basic colored substrate? Do I need special substrate?

[@MASSAquariums]

It helps but you can add root tabs

[@MultiPizzapizza]

Does drift wood create Nitrates??

[@MASSAquariums]

I don’t believe so

[@remosgxmatt]

Best plants for African cichlids tank?

[@MASSAquariums]

I’ve heard bitter plants

[@ericj810]

I replace the filter pad without even shutting off the powerfilter. My nitrates are 80ppm. I need to do more water changes...

[@MASSAquariums]

More plants as well

[@brittanysarni6880]

Are you based out of Massachusetts? Just curious because of your channel name and I live in the Boston area and have some questions

[@MASSAquariums]

Yes I am

[@jupiterlove76]

Why would all my goldfish hang out in the same corner at the bottom of my tank? They arent really moving around.

[@MASSAquariums]

Stressed about something. Maybe ammonia levels are high

[@starjumperrrr]

I just cleaned the tank and put new water and plants in but still a lot of nitrates

[@starjumperrrr]

how do i stop the nitrates or are my test strips just inacraute