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Thread: checking nitrates after WC

  1. #1
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    Default checking nitrates after WC

    Hi there... I am cycling my tank and for 3 consecutive days I have had 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites.
    nitrates are still quite high

    I have started doing WC's 2 a day about 25% each change (my seasoning tank is only 15 gallons)

    I treat with prime and aerate and bring to temp of main tank (65 Gallon)

    my question is can I check nitrates immediately (ok I do wait an hour filter rated at 380 GPH) after WC? it seems to me to be yes since I just removed 15 gallons and replaced with 15 gallon nitrate free?

    Seems like I could just continue to do multiple WC's till I get nitrates down

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Platinum Member fljones3's Avatar
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    Default Re: checking nitrates after WC

    You might consider a higher WC, say closer to 50% daily.

    Frank

  3. #3
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    Default Re: checking nitrates after WC

    ok thanks...I just did 2 WC's which should be about 46% and after 2 hours reading is the same. I will continue doing double WC's this is just the second week of cycling so maybe that's the reason. Anyway I will keep at it.

    who knew it could be this much fun

  4. #4
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    Default Re: checking nitrates after WC

    and thinking about it 2nd WC is getting some of the new water I just put in so less than 46%

  5. #5
    Homesteader Paul Sabucchi's Avatar
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    Take a wild guess

    Default Re: checking nitrates after WC

    2x25% water changes will be less effective than 1x50%. If hypothetically you have 100mg/l after the first water change you would have 75mg/ and after the second 56.25mg/l and that is without considering the NO3 produced in the time in-between the two water changes. You may want to consider investing in a container that will allow you to age well over 50% of the water content of your tank.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: checking nitrates after WC

    thanks - i will upgrade my container

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