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ohiomary · 02-12-2008, 05:56 PM

I suddenly have high nitrate and nitrite levels in my 29 gallon tank. Previously there wasn't any problem. I had a snail that died and I didn't notice it right away-so I don't know if that's what set it off or what. I think we've had this aquarium set up for a couple months. We have 4 Black Mollies, 1 Swordtail, 3 Platies, 2 Ghost Catfish, one Mystery Snail of normal size, one tiny baby snail, and 5 other fish fry of some sort that I haven't been able to identify yet.

I cleaned the tank yesterday--vacuuming the gravel, etc and added about 40% new water. I use a Stress Zyme and Stress Coat and aquarium salt.
Today the levels are still high. I removed about 20% of the water and replaced it, again adding Stress Zyme and Coat. Tonight the levels are still very very high, and at least one fish is acting lethargic.

Can I safely do another water change tonight or should I wait a day? I just don't know how long it takes for the tank to start to recover. I don't want to make it worse by putting new water in again so soon.

Thanks for any advice!

02-12-2008, 05:56 PM	#1
ohiomary Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 7	how often to change water in emergency I suddenly have high nitrate and nitrite levels in my 29 gallon tank. Previously there wasn't any problem. I had a snail that died and I didn't notice it right away-so I don't know if that's what set it off or what. I think we've had this aquarium set up for a couple months. We have 4 Black Mollies, 1 Swordtail, 3 Platies, 2 Ghost Catfish, one Mystery Snail of normal size, one tiny baby snail, and 5 other fish fry of some sort that I haven't been able to identify yet. I cleaned the tank yesterday--vacuuming the gravel, etc and added about 40% new water. I use a Stress Zyme and Stress Coat and aquarium salt. Today the levels are still high. I removed about 20% of the water and replaced it, again adding Stress Zyme and Coat. Tonight the levels are still very very high, and at least one fish is acting lethargic. Can I safely do another water change tonight or should I wait a day? I just don't know how long it takes for the tank to start to recover. I don't want to make it worse by putting new water in again so soon. Thanks for any advice!