GBR with nitrAtes=30

[tate8]

My nitrAte levels reach 30ppm at the end of the week before my water change. I do a 75% water change weekly. My pH is steady at 6.6. Ammonia and nitrItes are both 0.

I have a 36 gallon bowfront stocked per my signature.

Can I add 1-2 GBRs and keep them healthy?

I can up my water changes to twice a week, but I would rather keep my same routine.

[Lady Hobbs]

Sounds like over feeding. How much water you changing once a week?

[tate8]

75%

It is possible that I am overfeeding.

[steeler1]

I say get the rams, sounds like your tank is ready as it can be once you get the nitrates under control, and the rams will appriciate that pH.

[Lady Hobbs]

Nitrates will began to climb up there if filter media is getting dirty, too.

[MuckyFish]

Not sure I agree with Steeler.
I would wait till you have sorted out the nitrate balancing issue first, this may also affect the ph of the tank.
Plus you have said you would rather keep your existing routine. Surely, its important that you enjoy your hobby and not have your hobby enjoy you. Right, don't become a slave to it?

Also this tank should be a year old at least if you want to consider GBRs and decide to go ahead anyway.

[C-Dub]

I would add one GBR, why not? They are touchy fish but your Nitrates aren't off the chart, and the PH is just right for them. They aren't enormous fish either, not like your adding a 13" Pleco poop machine into the mix. Keep a close eye on your water parameters with the GBR if you have any issues the GBR will be the first one to let you know. Watch the over-feeding, if you think you might be over feeding, chances are that your right. Feed less for a couple weeks, see if you notice a difference in your Trates, if it comes down a touch then you know your problem was the over-feeding, correct it, then add GBR. Just my .02

[tate8]

I have cut back on the amount that I have been feeding.

I'm sure it has been affecting my parameters.

I'm going to do some good gravel vac cleaning and a water change and see how it goes.

[steeler1]

Like C-dub said your nitrates are not off the charts. A little correction like your doing and you should be able to add your rams.

To bad about Bama Saturday, This may have won the Heisman for "Johnny Football".

[tate8]

To bad about Bama Saturday, This may have won the Heisman for "Johnny Football".

You win some, you lose some. Fortunately we have been winning more than losing.