HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

42 posts • Page 2 of 5

Discuss all topics related to freshwater and planted tanks.


Alasse
 
Posts: 993
Joined: Sun May 09, 2010 5:35 am
Location: QLD Australia

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by Alasse

jessikaye01

The tank is not cycled now. You added an UGF to it, meaning the substrate was either removed fully or moved from side to side to get plates in, this has stirred up any and all debris that was in the substrate (old food, poop etc) This will definately cause an ammonia problem, and it will be ongoing until the substrate matures again.

I would keep plants out of the equation at this time.

Do a deep and thorough gravel clean to remove any excess waste.

I would NOT be adding Prime, it will not solve the problem long term. Too many people rely on this as a fix for everything. Get your tank stable and happy and this is NOT required.

I definately would not be adding salt to an already unstable tank

I would be doing water changes every 2 days, approx 30% until the ammonia settles

Feed once per day and leave the fish hungry, do not be tempted to just give them a bit more!


After re-reading your posts, you fully pulled down the 75gal. A full pull down with have the tank back at having to do a full cycle again.
You sumped all the fish back into an uncycled tank, this is where your problems are coming from!


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

To clairify the breakdown of the tank-
I did indeed break it down but that was only because of failed attempts to lower the ammonia levels in the first place after a MONTH of high ammonia levels for some unknown reason AFTER the tank had cycled.

I am going to wait two weeks (hopefully my fish will withstand it) with water changes only.
I'm a little worried about this because when I did it before, the ammonia never came down and I stressed my two beautiful gouramis and they died.

I set my temperature on 78/80 (after reading numerous pages of suggestions throughout books and internet sites.

I will see how it goes from there.


natalie265
Site Admin
 
Posts: 746
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:48 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by natalie265

I don't know why you had your original ammonia problem, but when you removed or replaced your filter pads, you took the situation from bad to worse. When you medicate a tank, you should remove any carbon filters (carbon will neutralize the medication), but you should never remove all of your filter pads. In the last four years, i've only replaced one filter pad, and that is only because i used that pad to seed another tank.

You know, i understand and agree with the goal of avoiding unnecessary chemicals in your aquarium. It's a principle i live by. But, ich and fungal treatments are safe and effective. If you get an infection, do you take an antibiotic? I don't understand making fish endure an illness that you can easily cure. Why make a fish uncomfortable with temperature changes and salt? And probably even more importantly is to remember that prevention is worth a pound of cure. As someone previously stated, clean and healthy tanks are much less likely to become diseased.


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

Yes I used an antibiotic and did remove the filter media.
ALL of it and I'm thinking that is my problem right now.
I should've left the sponges in....


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

After 12 days of constant monitoring and water change, today the ammonia went down to 1.0-2.0 (still high but the bottle was turning darkest green possible before-now just light green)

However, I am noticing that my Nitrite levels are higher than 10 (using the 5 way testing kit)
PH 7.2 (stays constant)
Alkilinity 0-40 (edges have some VERY dark green swirled about equaling the 180 mark)
Hardness 150 (has never changed)
Nitrite 10+ (the pink is darker than any pink on this test)
Nitrate between 0-20

After my water change, I tested it again.

No changes in the 5 way test BUT my ammonia went down to .50!!

Could someone explain to me if these Nitrite levels will fall with the falling of the ammonia???


Okiimiru
 
Posts: 275
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:19 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by Okiimiru

"Could someone explain to me if these Nitrite levels will fall with the falling of the ammonia???"

Look at slide 8 of this powerpoint presentation: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/~davisda/class ... Design.pdf
As the ammonia is falling the nitrite is reaching it maximum value.


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

I also added lava moss today, recommended for lowering Nitrite levels...???
Right thing to do??


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

Okiimiru ...
You have been most helpful!!
I understand MOST of that slide (enough for me to get by, lol!)
Thank you for redirecting me back to it!!!

I think my hard work is paying off this time!! (knock on wood)

Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions and hints!!!


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

This is a picture of my tank...thought maybe someone could offer ideas or criticism of the features...I.E. plants that may help the enviornment, etc.

You can sort of see that I have the 3 filters and a very large bubble stone that offers plenty of oxygen. I have 2 heaters as the little one wasn't heating well and it is cold here. :(
Temperature is 78/80 at all times.

I added Lava moss yesterday to the rocks and the car-just waiting for it to take hold.

Also, great news!!
Ammonia levels continue to fall, Nitrites are way up there and Nitrates are starting to rise!!

Thank you all for your time and input!!
my fishtank april 23.jpg


jessikaye01
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:21 pm

Re: HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

by jessikaye01

Well...it's a real shame that only half of my aquarium posted. :(

I like the old car the best. (which is on the other side)

HELP!! I CANNOT get my ammonia levels down!

42 posts • Page 2 of 5

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