Fix my levels pleeeease

[SDreefer23]

Hey everyone,

So I went outta town for a couple weeks and left my roommates in charge of my tank. I just came back and all my parameters are messed up! I'm new to this hobby and don't know what my best options would be, hopefully you guys can help me get this under control and give me some suggestions, h2o change? chems? new fluval media? etc

My parameters:
Spec. Grav. - 1.026
Ammonia - 0.25ppm
Nitrate - 50ppm
Nitrite - 0.2ppm
pH - 8.0
Alk - 3.0
Phosphate - 0.05ppm
Calcium - 550

My tank:
Its a 33 gallon, I do 7gl water changes bi-weekly. Feed once daily. Have a Fluval 205, CPR BakPak, Korali powerhead.

Please someone help me out I wanna get this all perfect. Thanks!

[Carlos]

He probably overfed.

Here is what you should do to get the tank back on track:

1. Clean all filters and change media.
2. Do a 20 gal water change when you get back home tonight.
3. Do 7 gal water changes every day after until your ammonia and nitrites are down to 0.

If there are no fish in the tank, then hold back on feeding for a day or two and let the tank sort itself out.

Carlos

[phenom5]

Agreed...large water change ASAP, followed by a series of smaller water changes.

[ahullsb]

That is the best plan in my opinion as well. See if you can figure out why you are having such high readings. The ammonia is most crucial, followed by the nitrate and phosphate in my opinion. Water changes will be your best friend whenever things like this happen.