Tips to control Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate:

Tips to control Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate:
1. The bacteria colonise on the filter media (sponge) so don’t replace them if it is not required. This will destroy their colony and you may see a sudden increase in nitrite/ nitrate.
2. Never wash the filter media in tap water which will kill the useful bacteria. Use the tank water in a mug/pot and wash your filter media with the old aquarium water.
3. Don’t try to change PH of water (if it's not absolutely necessary) because it can be fatal for useful bacteria.
4. In a planted aquarium, the aquatic plants consume ammonia & nitrates and hence contribute to the nitrogen cycle.
5. If you find ammonia/nitrite/nitrate content high, check the following
-- Monitor when you feed your fish, any uneaten food will generate more aquarium waste and degrade your water quality.
-- Increase air circulation by volume (by adding more air-stones or increasing the running time for your air pump). Additional oxygen will help your fish to breath and speed up the oxidation process.
-- For planted aquarium leave the light on for 12 hours, Plants will consume the nitrate.
-- Do a partial water change up to 25%