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WOGGIES
05-21-2007, 09:53 PM
Hello! I added a bristlenose pleco and java moss to my tank and my nitrate levels went up. Isn't java moss supposed to make nitrate levels go down? I just did a 15 gal water change yesterday (it's a 40 gal tank). Furthermore, the last time i had a pleco it died the next day and my new bristlenose seems to be struggling now. Any ideas why? Or maybe i'm just imagining things. thanks
Rue
05-21-2007, 09:57 PM
...without your water parametres we can't tell you much...

...sound like nitrite issues...or maybe ammonia...but who knows?
WOGGIES
05-21-2007, 10:01 PM
...without your water parametres we can't tell you much...

...sound like nitrite issues...or maybe ammonia...but who knows?


My nitrite is at zero and so is the ammonia. However, i use test trips, so i dont have an exact reading. But I've had my tank for 4 months and all the other fish are fine. Just seem plecos have a hard time. ! I guess ill just leave the java moss in and see what happens.
Rue
05-21-2007, 10:05 PM
...if your ammonia and nitrites are 0, that's great...so now we get to nitrates...what are those at?
WOGGIES
05-21-2007, 10:18 PM
...if your ammonia and nitrites are 0, that's great...so now we get to nitrates...what are those at?

i'm not sure exactly, i would say between 20-30ppm.
Chrona
05-21-2007, 11:23 PM
Most likely the additional waste from the pleco. Java moss doesn't uptake that much nutrients unless it's under high lighting + CO2.
WOGGIES
05-22-2007, 12:00 AM
Most likely the additional waste from the pleco. Java moss doesn't uptake that much nutrients unless it's under high lighting + CO2.
Do plecos make a lot of waste? Don't they clean a lot too, so doesn't it kind of counter balance itself? The pleco did have a lot of waste in the bag though, when i took it home!
Rue
05-22-2007, 12:09 AM
Plecos are more dirty than clean...
Chrona
05-22-2007, 12:12 AM
Do plecos make a lot of waste? Don't they clean a lot too, so doesn't it kind of counter balance itself? The pleco did have a lot of waste in the bag though, when i took it home!

There are no animals that, when added to a tank, can balance itself out. Inevitably, you have to feed them, so you are putting more nutrients into the tank, and while a portion goes into fish growth, a large portion also becomes waste, which nothing save plants will eat up. Plecos in particular, are known to be dirty fish and most definitely don't balance themselves out.
gm72
05-22-2007, 02:05 AM
Right. They produce a ton of waste. The only thing that they really clean up is leftover food at the bottom of the tank. Some algae yes, if it is there. Bottom dwellers are sensitive to ammonia.
WOGGIES
05-22-2007, 11:00 AM
Oh thanks guys. My pleco is still alive. I think i was just scared because my other pleco died right away and this one wasn't moving. But, i found out it was because of the light. Once i turned the light off he started moving around and stuff. Also, I think its turning color, i'm not sure why! I'm pretty sure its an albino bristlenose, because it looks really white now and didn't in the store...

There is algae in the tank, but he didn't eat any of it really. Should i get some algae wafers or vegetables for him to eat?

Furthermore, if this pleco is producing more waste, should i do water changes more often now? I usually do it once a week 5-10 gallons (out of 40 gal) depending on how dirty it is.
Chrona
05-22-2007, 11:02 AM
Once a week 50% would be better. Or once every 2 weeks 75%.
WOGGIES
05-22-2007, 11:59 AM
Once a week 50% would be better. Or once every 2 weeks 75%.

Oh thanks for the info Chrona. your always helpful. Ill just do it once a week 50%. I always thought it was once a week 10% of your tank.
But my pleco looks like its decaying, but its alive and strong. I dont know if they just look like that, but it worrys me! i hope its okay.
Lady Hobbs
05-22-2007, 02:47 PM
When you had your other pleco, your tank may have just gone thru a new cycle. Pleco's don't do well in a new tank and the tank should be set up a while before you get them. Large water changes I agree with.
marek313
05-22-2007, 05:36 PM
I have 4 Albono Bristle Nose plecos in my tank and they are my favorite. I also have 1 common pleco about 6" long and 5 ottos. My ABNs are so active always looking for something they are a blast to watch. Make sure hes not hungry because they dont get much if any food at the local fish stores so I would feed him algea wafer and zucchini. That also depends if you have algea in your tank or not and I really dont so I have to feed mine every night. It will take him couple days to get used to your tank as well so just give him time.

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WOGGIES
05-22-2007, 09:38 PM
I have 4 Albono Bristle Nose plecos in my tank and they are my favorite. I also have 1 common pleco about 6" long and 5 ottos. My ABNs are so active always looking for something they are a blast to watch. Make sure hes not hungry because they dont get much if any food at the local fish stores so I would feed him algea wafer and zucchini. That also depends if you have algea in your tank or not and I really dont so I have to feed mine every night. It will take him couple days to get used to your tank as well so just give him time.

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thanks marek! I went to the pet store and got some algae wafers and also this stuff that supposedly lowered nitrate/nitrate/ammonia/chlorine/chloride. I'm at school right now so I can't get the name off the bottle. But, hopefully it'll work! Ill take apicture of the pleco today and post it on here. Its an odd color, not regular and not albino! I haevn't been home since 10 am today and won't be home until 830, hopefully hes still alive!!!!!!!