Nitra-Zorb

twilk2012

I have a 60g tank with a Penguin 350 filter. I have been doing water changes but nitrites are still high. Where do I put the Nitra-Zorb cartridge in the Penguin 350? In the extra slot or in the large area behind the cartridge?

Tazman

Welcome to the forum.

The extra slot would be beneficial as it will get the maximum flow then.

Is your tank cycled, is it planted and what are your water test results for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

What are you stocking as well.

twilk2012

nitrate 20
nitrite 10
GH 150
chlorine 0
KH 40
PH 6.8
Have 4 phantom tetras, 3 swordtails, 1 cory, 1 gourami, 1 mollie
Have been using Tetra easy strips as I have an API test kit on order as local store was out of them.

AbbeysDad

The general consensus is that the test strips aren't very accurate. It will be better when you have the API test kit. Even though you show some nitrates, it looks like your tank is not fully cycled. How long has it been running? (Usually the presence of nitrates, with zero ammonia and zero nitrites indicates a completed cycle. But since you still have nitrites, something is amiss. Since you could have nitrates in your tap water, you should test your tap water too.
I think it's not a good idea to add any adsorbant like Nitro Zorb, Purigen etc. until after a tank has stabilized from the N2 cycle as this may inhibit the maturation of the beneficial bacteria colonies.

twilk2012

the tank has been running for 6 weeks and I just did another water change.

Tazman

I have to agree that the cycle is not complete and it would not be beneficial using the Nitra-Zorb. I would increase the frequency of your water changes and make bigger changes, almost 50%.

Adding fast growing plants would be beneficial as well, not only to reducing nitrates but also the fish.

twilk2012

I don't have any live plants. I was told at the store that I needed special lighting for them. I have the lighted hoods that came with my Marineland tank.