Proper method to measure nitrates?

[wlepse]

A while back I read a thread about some corys that were getting barbel infections that was later suspected to be from high nitrate levels. Later this same member posted a thread about how their LFS recommended they only have 1-2" max of gravel to make sure the bottom isn't like a "septic." Since I have corys and more than 2" of gravel I started to get concerned and figured I would check my nitrate levels more frequently to make sure my water changes are keeping it in check. When ever I measure them they are between 5-10ppm so I think I am OK. But then I go back to the LFS claims that the bottom can still be a septic tank essentially. So would it be better to use an eye dropper to collect water from the bottom to test or is it assumed that the circulation of the water is enough that it is in equilibrium throughout the tank? I tried to find density info but I wasn't coming up with anything useful. I think tonight I may try to measure both ways and see if there is a difference, just not sure how I will get down there yet. I may have to take some water out.

[Lady Hobbs]

If you vac the gravel then it is clean enough unless you have plants and they use the waste. I wouldn't want a UGF for this reason but a vac keeps it clean enough.

[wlepse]

I do weekly gravel vacs and change out 25-30% of the water each week. But I have noticed since I planted the tank more it is more difficult to clean since the plants haven't really established themselves so I try to be gentle.

[Lady Hobbs]

If you have plants, they will use that waste for their nutrients. The corys only eat off the top so they are fine.

[rhonin]

As long as you have a method to keep deposits in gravel under control you should not ever see an issue.

Depending on the tank, I have gravel, small gravel, sand or a mixture of them.

For those areas that I do not plant, I will vacuum about 25% of my gravel per week - this way it is all covered at least 1x per month.

For gravel to get so contaminated it gets septic, I suspect you would see these pockets against the glass under gravel at some point in your tank.

Keep up with the water changes, vacuum your gravel (set a schedule) and you should be fine.

Only area I have ever really had an issue with is ensuring I can get areas around / under rock structures. Just takes a bit of planning - and sometimes the right fish.

Relax and enjoy! thumbs2:

[Bristley]

If you have a more than adequate filtration system it probably won't be a problem.

Do you have a lot of water flow in your tank? If you do then the water probably circulates well enough that your samples would be fairly constant throughout the entire water column.

[Zilla]

If it's the thread I'm thinking of, that tank was not being maintained properly, hence the inflammation.

Since you are vacuuming weekly, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are worried about tight places where the vacuum cannot be used, invest in a turkey baster to get any gunk out from between plants where your vacuum cannot get to.

[fish00053]

First of all when cleaning the gravel only do a light sweep across the top to pick up excess food and droppings. I would recommend a deep clean on 1/3 of the tank every two months. Messing with the deep gravel near the UGF each water change your loosing alot of good bacteria. The thick black gunk under the UGF is full of Bio. If you clean it to thoroughly you will loose all of the good stuff and actually cause your tank to recycle. Their is a very fine line in cleaning and deep cleaning an UGF. I have a 37,75,and 125 that I think looks awesome. I've made the beginner mistake of over cleaning and my fish loss was tremendous. Good Luck!!!! I would recommend at least 25% water change to help keep down any bad bacteria that can't be detected. In addition if you do preventive maintenance on a regular schedule and you can keep ahead of most issues.:22: .

[wlepse]

I do think I am keeping up on maintenance and it was suspeccted that the other poster wasn't but since their LFS suggested it was inevitable I was a bit concerned. So for kicks I just tested in what is typically the dirtiest corner at the bottom and at the top near the outlet of the HOB and they were identical so I guess that settles my fears.

Oh and for anyone new to this hobby like me or I guess anyone who can get overwhelmed and loss track of what to do and when....I would recommend checking out one of these: [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] It isn't perfect but I picked one up on sale a while back for half price so it was a no brainer since I needed a temp gauge anyway. So far it has helped me stay on track.

[Dave66]

You got it right, wlepse, about getting a sample just above the substrate for a Nitrate check. Nitrate tends to be more concentrated in the lower realms of aquariums than the area most collect their water to do a Nitrate test. That higher level of Nitrate is suspected in the degeneration of Corydoras whiskers, among other issues.

The cure for higher Nitrate levels low in an aquarium is simple; better and more powerful filtration and regular maintenance.

Dave
Dave

[Bristley]

If you are worried about tight places where the vacuum cannot be used, invest in a turkey baster to get any gunk out from between plants where your vacuum cannot get to.

That's an interesting idea. I've found it difficult to get vac around some of the decor in my tank without having to replant/replace things. I think I'll try the turkey baster idea. It will definitely help with some of those hard to access nooks and crannies.

[Zilla]

That's an interesting idea. I've found it difficult to get vac around some of the decor in my tank without having to replant/replace things. I think I'll try the turkey baster idea. It will definitely help with some of those hard to access nooks and crannies.

I think it's on this forum where there is a thread dedicated to all the uses of a turkey baster. There was the cleaning thing, but there was also mention of sucking up fry, spot treating plants, ect.

If you're curious, type "Turkey Baster" in the search box and see what pops up.

[Bristley]

Cool. Thanks I'll check that out.