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My o's started acting a little sluggish yesterday and I couldnt figure out why. My water was crystal clear but when I checked the parameters, my nitrate and nitrtite had spiked. I did a 50% water change immediately and plan on doing another as soon as I get done posting this. Can I buy anything to bring down the toxin levels quickly to try to save my fish. Any insight would be great. Thanks ahead.

Later

Any measurable ammonia levels? If not, you're half-way there.

The water change is OK. Most of the dechlorinators on the market also somewhat neutralize ammonia & nitrite, but don't depend on these on an ongoing basis. Keep doing large, frequent changes till your nitrite readings disappear and stay gone. The high nitrate levels would seem to mean that you perhaps either haven't been keeping up sufficiently with the water changes, or have been feeding too much, or perhaps have too many fish in the tank. What filtration are you using, and how often do you clean the filter(s)?

I went to the LFS and they sold me some stuff called Aquel+. I came home and did another 50% water change and my nitrate and nitrite readings are coming down a little. I use a whisper 60 filter for my tank. 55 gallons. When I set up the tank about a month and a half ago, I didn't know anything about it and thats what I got sold. I hope it is enough. I do about a 20% change every week and clean out the filter every two weeks. Is this enough? I may be overfeeding them. Nobody ever told me how much to feed so I feed them a couple of times a day. Is that too much? Any info would be greatly appreciated. About a week ago, my wife came home with a large frog for the tank. Maybe i'm crazy, but could he being causing my water conditions to go south?? Thanks ahead.

Later

What are the readings now? As to feeding, the common rule of thumb is to feed no more than they'll eat within 2 to 4 minutes. Cleaning the filter just needs to be done when it needs to be done -- you need to get a feel for your setup. I usually clean my power filters about once a month, unless they start acting clogged. Cleaning them too often, especially in a new tank, can inhibit the "cycle" process. Seems as though yours hasn't finished cycling yet. This is a personal preference that all may not subscribe to, but I've taken to "doubling" the filtration on most of my tanks. The Whisper filter is fine. I'd add another one of similar capacity. Maybe a different type -- a cannister perhaps, like an Eheim 2213 or a Magnum 350.