K, I run a second (smaller) filter along side my tanks regular (larger) filter, just for Nitrazorb. (For those who don't know: I use Nitrazorb because it's in our water source and I have NO other water options.)

I have recently noticed that my 20g tank's NitrAtes are 35ppm or so, and I can't get them lower... Normally with Nitrazorb, (at least in the 10g tank), it stayed around 20ppm.

I know I do have to wait for all the plants to get rooted and then they will help BUT: Will putting the Nitrazorb in a stronger filter also help? I'm thinking the more water per hour that goes through the Nitrazorb, the better the results? (As of now, I just found out the little filter is only for a 3g tank, hahahhaha!) Going to put the Nitrazorb in the old Aquaclear 20 and see if that helps. So, the regular media will be in the AC 30, and Zorb in the AC 20.

Will replace the tiny Tetra pf 10 (5-10g) that's on the 36g with the Aqueon 30 filter that it came with for the Zorb, and run that along side the Aquaclear 70 that has the normal media in it.

Do you think that will help? Having more water go through the media more often?

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20g Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981
36g Bow Front Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981

My thought is if it cant hurt anything, try it

Good morning Holly...

I don't think your nitrates are high. If they were twice what you have and remained that way for some time, you might have a problem.

If you're following a sound tank maintenance schedule that includes changing 25 to 30 percent of the tank's water every couple of weeks, then I really think you're fine without all the chemical stuff.

As always, just one "old fishkeeper's" opinion.

B

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Low Tech Water Building Keeper

More filtering is good, Holly. The greater the volume of water (nitrates) that goes thru the filter, the faster the nzorb can remove it. Basic physics. Your feeding very little so the mechanical filter should stay clean and not reduce the flow that much.

I'm with BB, stop worrying about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks shipmate!

B

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Low Tech Water Building Keeper

Thanks everyone! Bigger filter is on, and first tank clean was done today! Everyone looks happy! :D

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20g Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981
36g Bow Front Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981

Hey Holly, you have my fish wanting to run away and come live with you! ;-) You got room for about 40 adults and 60 baby Mollies?

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60g tall, all artificial plants, Rainbow tank; 55g for African Cichlids. 20g long for fry; 20g hex, 2 black Angels at my desk; 10g planted, with 50 Molly fry; 10 gal, 2x 13w cfl lightning, planted; 2g hex for "Buddy the Betta"; Wanting a 200g +, MTS getting bad.

Yep...just stay under 40 and all will be well with your regular maintenace. No need spending extra money if you don't need to....that is...unless you want to. ;o)

Hey holly,what test kit are you using ? i use api but when i test with it,it only shows results like 0ppm,5ppm, 10-20, 40-80 & 160 (due to VERY similar colour charts) . i see you are getting more acurate results (35ppm) .

Re-start: I WISH I had a tank big enough for all those mollies! ;)


Sondre: I use the API test kit too. I say I have about 35ppm because the colour falls between the 20ppm and 40ppm mark, but is leaning higher towards the 40ppm mark. (It's a rough estimate.) :D

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20g Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981
36g Bow Front Heavily Planted http://www.aquariumforum.com/gallery...00&ppuser=8981