LOWER NITRATES FAST! and Save *TIME & MONEY!* [It's SIMPLE!]

[@ebinom8112]

Nice video/tips. Glad to know I'm doing something right. I feed my fish twice a day and three times a week. I also do 50% water changes twice a week. I have clean water and my fish are thriving.

[@scottgordin9709]

I usually feed my tanks once a day with NorthFin pellets, but I will admit that on my days off I will feed them flakes in the morning and then pellets in the evening. Instead of one big meal I’ll brake it down to two medium sized meals👍👍👍

[@karencobleigh1164]

You are right again🌹💙🐟🐠🐟🐠💛💙😁🌹🌹🌹

[@dannyaquatics]

Thank you Ben great info. I sometimes feed too much. I try to cut back to experiment.

[@lastditch727]

Popping in to say hey, i miss your channel but I've had to get out of the hobby. It's been too stressful for me. Best of luck in all you future endeavors sir! One of my favorite aquarium channels.

[@BenOchart]

I wish you the best.

[@mr.c7076]

I appreciate your answer Ben. I am somewhat patient..LOL. I waited until the ammonia went down from green to yellow. Then I put fish in gradually starting from bottom tier to top dogs. I did use API Stresszyme.I would love to send you a video of my tank. I'm so happy with it.

[@mr.c7076]

Yes thanks. I will get a sponge filter. Looking for the triangular type for a back corner.

[@BenOchart]

Sure. Send to: [e-mail] 😀👍🏻

[@MrHominid2U]

This is actually about a video you made some time ago about fixing leaking canister filters using plumber's tape. I have a 5 year old Aquatop 400 which recently has began leaking whenever the power is shut off then back on. I used plumber's tape as you suggested tho I ran it round & round the head gasket itself. Seems to have fixed the problem, so thanks, because I otherwise really love this filter

[@BenOchart]

I'm glad it worked for you. I've stopped a valve leak in sump plumbing with aquarium silicon sealant. Not ideal but it fixed the problem.

[@MrHominid2U]

@BenOchart water is a difficult thing to manage, it finds a way. I've noticed in many videos the culprit that starts the leaking is after a power loss then the pump restarts that's where the leaking begins.

[@Knockoutzone5]

I feed once every other day ( I have smaller fish)...no water quality issues. My tanks are also heavily planted. This info is for those with smaller fish than ben's

[@MiamiObi]

Hey @Ben. One of your previous videos was about why not to worry so much about Nitrates. Have you changed your mind on nitrate toxicity?

[@BenOchart]

I don't worry much, but many do. This tip might provide some relief, LOL!

[@MiamiObi]

​@@BenOchartglad to hear.😂

[@Cedarfishguy]

Fill your sump with plants I’m using water lettuce and Pothos going to try water lettuce in the tank with me Africa’s next

[@dermentzoglouagapios9480]

It's like you were in my mind and knew what i was thinking... I also overfeed for all the reasons you mentioned and i always think about cutting it in half or less but, i am afraid that this will also cause aggression spikes. Is it something that can happen or i don't need to worry about it?

[@BenOchart]

Since you're concerned about aggression I assume you have cichlids. Certainly monitor and keep an eye on things but cutting back 25% - 50% shouldn't create any big issues. Many African Cichlid keepers will go a day or two without feeding to allow the digestive tract to clean out, to avoid Malawi bloat. Cut back and keep an eye on things. It should be fine.

[@mr.c7076]

Hello Ben. I'm a subscriber of yours and a fellow peacock cichlid hobbyist. Was in the game about 10 years ago, now I'm BACK. 75 gallon running about 3 weeks now with an FX6 and 20 fish. I tried to keep it 15, but some fish gave me whale eyes...😂. How do you get you water so clear??? My water is a little milky. I am using Carib Sea Eco Substrate sand for the first time. What are your thoughts? All markers are good.

[@glenncj]

If your tank is 3 weeks old, give it more time to establish. You can also use more fine sponge/fine filter media to catch the floating debris.

[@hunterthomas6136]

@@mr.c7076 use purigen products. I recommend the pre bagged ones because they are easy. I also recommend being patient especially if you just started a tank without cycled bacteria.

[@MiamiObi]

You are most likely having a bacterial bloom. Don't worry, it will pass.

[@FiveJoel]

@@mr.c7076 chemipure blue or purigen my man

[@BenOchart]

All the responses I see here are valid. It's normal to go through this. It's actually a good sign. It means bacteria and life is appearing. It will eventually pass. If you get impatient, adding Seachem Purigen or Boyd's ChemiPure can help and so can adding floss to your filter. There are also products that bind to the particles so the filter can trap them. Something like Seachem Clarity will clear things up fast. Check out some of my videos with the words "Pristine" and "Floating in Air" in the title for more tips. And welcome back!

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

At fathers fish suggestion I do not feed mature fish on the weekends. No change in fish health.

[@keithduwe2647]

Less food is always better!!!!!