Help with my nitrates

[ChelDeFazio]

I hope someone has advice. I have a rescued Axxie that I brought home to an established cycled 29-gallon tank. Since I have had him/her in the tank I cannot get my levels of nitrates lowered. In the tank are Eegeria Najas (Plants), two caves, and filtered sand substrate. Attached are my levels since I introduced Dirt (the Axxie's name, inherited not chosen) to the tank. Please I am happy to get any suggestions even though I am a hobby aquarist, this is my first Axolotl.

 

[minorhero]

Since you had nitrites in your tank for a while you were going through a cycling or mini cycle process. Now that that's over nitrates should be easier to control. Just do some big water changes (50+%) a couple of days in a row and it shouldn't be an issue anymore. If you are still detecting nitrates after that, check your tap water.

 

[JM29]

Nitrates accumulation is something normal in an established tank where the amount of plants is low.
Egeria najas is a good ammonia and nitrate consumer. Try add much more.

 

[ChelDeFazio]

Thank you both, I will try the big water changes and add more plants. I was just worried about disturbing his new environment after such a traumatic move but it will be better for him in the long run. Very happy I found this site.

 

[jclee]

May I ask what your nitrate reading is?

 

[ChelDeFazio]

My apologies, I just saw your post. My tank finally stabilized, but my nitrates were ranging from 20 to 40.

 

[wolfen]

looking at your table your gh is quite low so you might need to look into increasing your mineral levels.