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Wow, it's been a while since I've been here. Had to take my 46 gallon tank down to paint the living room and I'm looking to set up a new 120 gallon tank. Here's the problem. I'm on a well with moderately hard water. I just did a water test (with strips ... getting a better test kit soon) and here are the results:
Ph = 7.6, KH = 100, GH = ~180 - 280 NO2 = 0, NO3 = ~25. Now I know why I was having such an algae problem with the last tank! The new tank will be fully planted (modified Walstad style)so that should take care of some of the NO3, but I am concerned that it's too high and I'll end up with an algae problem before the plants get established.

Am I overly concerned, or should I pre-treat my water to remove the Nitrates?

want fish do u plan on puting in the tank? I could help u out more if u have that infromation. All ull probly need to do is get a BN pleco and they will take care of the algae.

Hi
Here is a site about Nitrate in well water:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/crops/00517.html

This is a site that every well owner should have book
marked:
http://www.wellowner.org/

With your water naturally that hard, I guess the logical
question is "Are you going to "mess" with it constantly
to maintain artificial values (pH, KH, GH) for the fish?"
Or, are you going to fore-go some of the softer more acid
loving fish in favor of the hard water fish and not have
to keep adding chemicals, or messing with it?

The values you mention are perfect for live bearers, and
the African Rift fish. All of which would make a 120G
tank a stunning sight. Use limestone for hard scape,
and crushed limestone, crushed dolomite, or even crushed
coral as your substrate, and you would not have to even
blink in worry about your fish and your water.

As far as the algae is concerned, while "we" like to keep
planted tanks around 10, 25 is not really that much higher
and with the proper plants acting as nitrogen sumps in a
large quantity, you should be fine. Dana mentions nitrate
in her books and since you are going to use her style tank
(modified?) I should think that the nitrate levels
would be adequately addressed.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks for the info. I knew I could count on you Frank! When I said 'modified' I mean that I am using filtration (canister) rather than just using a pump for circulation. I have kept softer water fish in this water, and as long as I stay away from the real finicky ones, I should be fine ... Moved the discus tank here when I first moved and that was a disaster! I also believe that the water conditions change seasonally, as the Ph in November was slightly below 7 and the KH was also much lower. I won't be messing with the parameters as I know that would be too much work since I travel quite a bit.

As far as the fish go, I haven't finalized my choices yet, and will be researching the most compatible species for the water and the fact that this will be an extensively planted tank. With 120 gallons, I'll have lots of choices!

thanks again.

not a lot of choices but a few just give me some options for then tank u been thinking. i say u go with african them com tank with bichirs a african odeo pike so i say go with this

1- Odeo pike
6- delhezi bichirs
12- congo tetras large!!!!!!!!!!

how many GPH u have on tank cuz u will want some where around 1200 at least so yea.

Depending on what type of filter you're running on the tank you should plan a way that the filtration sponges/balls/rings/floss whichever is being rinsed out in the used tank water but not all at once.


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