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[diseasye]

What's everyone's go-to method for keeping Nitrates low in a planted tank? I've got a 40 gallon with Amazon Swords and some Java Fern, but my Nitrates keep creeping up despite weekly water changes.

[salty]

I've had good luck with floating plants like Frogbit. They suck up Nitrates like crazy. Also, cutting back on feeding a bit might help. What's your current feeding routine?

[sailorone]

Yeah, floating plants are a game changer. I use Water Lettuce in my 55 gallon, and it's made a huge difference. How often are you testing your water?

[brooks]

Yeah, floating plants are a game changer. I use Water Lettuce in my 55 gallon, and it's made a huge difference. How often are you testing your water?

Water Lettuce is great, but it can block light for your other plants. Have you tried adding more fast-growing stems like Hornwort? They're nitrate hogs too.

[diseasye]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try adding some Frogbit and see how it goes. My feeding routine is pretty light, just once a day with a pinch of flakes.

[salty]

That sounds reasonable. You might also wanna check your filter media. If it's clogged, it won't process waste as efficiently. What kind of filter are you running?

[bunnyFlux]

Yo, my cat just knocked over my tank. Now what?

[brooks]

Yo, my cat just knocked over my tank. Now what?

Oh no, that's rough. First, make sure your fish are safe in a temporary container with some of the old tank water. Then, you'll need to clean up the mess and check your equipment for damage. How big was the tank?

[sailorone]

Cats and tanks don't mix. I've had to move my tank to a spot where my cat can't reach it. Maybe consider a tank stand with a lid if you're gonna try again.

[salty]

Yo, my cat just knocked over my tank. Now what?

Oh no, that's rough. First, make sure your fish are safe in a temporary container with some of the old tank water. Then, you'll need to clean up the mess and check your equipment for damage. How big was the tank?

Also, if you've got substrate everywhere, you might wanna rinse it before putting it back. Sand can be a pain to clean if it's mixed with debris.