HIGH NITRATE!!!

[kofi]

I had a 35 bow front tank setup for the pass 3 months with 5 clownfish, 5 Chromis, 1 yellow tang, 1 emerald crab and a hermit crab recently I notice my nitrate levels are very high 80 ppm, I did a 15-gallon water change 3 days ago and the nitrate level is still high, do i need to get rid of some of the fishes?


I have also notice red algae or cyanobacteria on my substrate

PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R! The reason you have such high nitrate is your tank is extremely overstocked and it was overstocked extremely fast. 5 clowns in a 35 bowfront is unheard of. A yellow tang needs a minimum of 125 gallon tank. And 5 chromis makes 11 fish in a tank that should have 3 to 5 at most. I would surrender most of your fish to your local fish store before they start dying on you. I would keep two clowns and two to three of the chromis tops. The tang definitely has to go I'm afraid. You're moving way to fast. Slow down, read up, and take your time. I can link you some very helpful threads if youd like This is a hobby of patients, only bad things happen quickly. Success takes time. Slow and steady wins the race #Welcometor2r

 

[Diesel]

I’m afraid you got too much fish in there.
Not to mention a YT in a 35 gallon :mad:

 

[Dancingmad]

Welcome to r2r! +1 to all this ^^^

 

[Phelipe's Ocean]

@Crabs Mcjones could not have said it better. The yellow tang seriously has to go and so does a handful of other fish. I wouldnt recommend keeping a trio or pair of chromis though as they are very well known for killing eachother off until there is only one left. They are best suited for larger tanks that can house a good sized school. You should maintain just a pair of clowns and make sure they arent both female. If you want a 3rd fish or 2 more go for something small like some dottybacks or a goby and make sure they get along. Best of luck with the changes

 

[DSC reef]

Welcome to R2R. Agree with the advice above

 

[Land Shark]

Time for a bigger tank!