Ammonia 8+Ppm After 2 Consecutive Water Changes.

[Jen.Cavanaugh]

Plan on doing at least 75% water changes daily until the ammonia & nitrite are at zero. Obtaining some mature media to help the cycle along would be a benefit, if you know someone who has had a tank running for a while ask to borrow some. If you don't know anybody local you may want to check out this link; http/www.columbusfishclub.org/index.php

My neighbor has an established tank (goldfish, I believe..) I'm sure she would help me out. What exactly do you mean by "media"? Can you explain?

What product are you using to treat the replacement water and how much are you using?

When I change water, I add "Complete Water Conditioner" (Jack's Aquarium & Pets store brand). It removes chlorine, promotes healing with Vit E, etc, detoxifies heavy metals, replenishes slime coating, promotes growth of beneficial bacteria and so on. (although it's hard to measure exactly, I attempt to add1 cap/5 ml per 10 gallons, but I'm afraid I actually used more than that during the process of water changes last night.)

I also add bio-boost. (4 capfuls/20 ml per 20 gallons)

Other than that, I recently added a carbon/resin mixture to the filter housing. (outside filter, not a biowheel though)It doesn't fit very well (inside a pantyhose section) although I feel water circulation is adequate, it may be somewhat hindered. I would like to know if I can utilize the mixture by means of another method, such as simply hanging it over the side of the tank near where the water flows out from the filter...??

Thank you for the link!

The fish seem well this morning.

 

[Jen.Cavanaugh]

I was told the bio-boost would shorten the cycle time. Let me tell you, I have seen no evidence of that or any other improvement. The truth is, the benefit of a ny product cannot outweigh all the bad advice and misdirection I was given. I am thankful to have found this site, and for all of you who have taken time out of your day to help out another "beginner".

I just performed another 90% water change. The reading is now about .25 ppm! Getting there!!!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yup. You are getting there. Tolak's advice regarding the mature media is good. The media is ANYTHING that is in the filter. It could be floss (fiberous material like is used in pillows), ceramics (or any stone like material), sponge, etc. Just ask for a little bit and you'll be shocked out how quickly things can happen for you (the one you take, the faster it will happen).


In the meantime, daily checking and changing of large amounts of water will keep the levels down while the bacteria catch up. Keep testing both ammonia AND nitrite. THe nitrite spike is just around the corner and it is just as deadly as the ammonia. Be prepared for multiple WEEKS of water changes and daily testing.


Every once in a while, test the nitrates. If you see them starting to rise, then you KNOW you are getting somewhere. (The API test can be tricky. Be sure to follow the directions EXACTLY as they say, plus a bunch of extra bashing of bottle #2 and extra shaking just to be certain it is thoroughly mixed. The API kit uses three reagents, two in Bottle 2. One of those is a powder that doesn't mix well with the rest of the solution and can separate out and give false zero readings for the nitrate. )

 

[Mowbz]

I am thankful to have found this site, and for all of you who have taken time out of your day to help out another "beginner".

We all gotta start somewhere! I'ts just a shame not everyone starts out here.... And of those that do, some of them just dont listen