Nitrates almost at 40.....water change advice
 

Hi everyone,

I was looking at my 135gallon tank today, and I noticed that one of my clams is looking pretty rough. I tested my water to find my nitrates at almost 40! Now, I am leaving tomorrow for 3 days, and I have to do a water change tonight. I live in Calgary, and I always use tap water to do my water changes, but I also always have the time to allow that water to sit 24-48 hours for the chlorine to dissipate. I priced out going to SuperStore to buy 40 gallons and its not too cheap, not too mention how bloody heavy it will be to lug 8 bottles in from my truck. So, does anyone know if it would be harmful to use tap water to do a 40 gallon water change this evening? I have tons of heaters and salt, so my temp will reach 78-79 in no time at all.....any ideas about using tap water right away? Cheers everyone.

thats a big gamble with alot of expensive livestock,I've done it succesfully with freshwater but my livestock cost maybe 50$ lol Go buy some carbon take a canister with some holes in it and filter the water through it,if your nitrates are that high the damage is probablly allready done anyway

If it were me, I would probably just do a smaller water change instead of taking chances with the tap water.

Hey guys thanks for the replies....I called golds and they told me I'd be safe putting a chlorine remover into my water prior to doing the water change. I dont usually like to add chemicals, but in this case I'll have to. Cheers again.

i used tap water and prime for years never had any issues other than algae

Side note... have you tested your tap water for nitrates? You could be introducing them by DOING waterchanges! ;)

Prime is a great water conditioner to use to treat for chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia.