What can be done to reduce high nitrates and nitrites in an aquarium?

Answer by  scaremall (202)

You may have too much of a biological load on the tank. There could be a problem with your filter as well.

Answer by  dcbuis85 (267)

First of all you need to clean out the water in the tank and add a softener if you got it from the tap. Next you can buy live plants because they eat the nitrate build-up. After these steps you should see results rather quickly. Remembet to clean the tank out weekly and add 25% new water.

Answer by  sdblack99 (329)

Read up on the nitrogen cycle in a fish tank. Nitrates you cannot get rid of without changing water(freshwater only). You should change at least 30% of water monthly. Nitrite will fall with time. Remember ammonia and nitrite are dangerous but nitrate isn't too bad, only high levels.

Answer by  sam805236aolcom (267)

Change your water on a regular basis. You should change 20-25% of the water every week. Do this and you should see changes pretty quickly.

Answer by  kirri (478)

The best way to reduce water impurities is to do a twenty percent water change on a weekly basis until your nitrates and nitrites are under control. Also make sure their is no more than one inch of fish per gallon. Build up in ammonia, fish death, or improper setup techniques can all lead to this problem.

Answer by  Maureen (60)

The fastest way to reduce nitrates and nitrites is to change some of the water for clean water, thereby removing the pollutants. Be sure to dechlorinate the fresh water.