Ammonia In Tap Water

[ac106]

After several tests, I have confirmed that my tap water has about 1-2 ppm of ammonia. Generally, my cycled tanks break this down rapidly but it still is a concern.

I tried to cycle a tank with Bio-Spira and a puffer and the ammonia and nitrites are off the chart and now I am concerned he won’t make it.

I do not want to add something to the tanks (in the filter) that removes ammonia because this will disrupt the natural nitrogen cycle. Correct?

Is there something I can add to the tap water prior to the water change that will remove/break it down?

Thoughts anyone?

 

[WILDER]

What's your location as tap water should not have ammonia in it.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Some people actually do have ammonia in their tap water. Some water companies use chloramine instead of chlorine. Chloramine is a combound of chlorine and ammonia. Usually people who have chloramines use a water conditioner that neutralizes the ammonia part as well. I use prime as my dechlorinator, and that also detoxifies ammonia. This detoxified version of ammonia is still able to be used by your filter. *depending on the test kit, the neutralized ammonia will still show up in your test results

You said your ammonia and nitrites are high. Please do an immediate water change and keep doing daily water chnages until ammonia and nitrItes are both at zero. (nitrItes being back at zero will be a good hint for you since your tap water has ammonia in it). Puffers are very sensitive to poor water conditions, and if you want to give him a chance to survive, you need to control the waste in his tank.

 

[wheelyfeet]

After several tests, I have confirmed that my tap water has about 1-2 ppm of ammonia. Generally, my cycled tanks break this down rapidly but it still is a concern.

I tried to cycle a tank with Bio-Spira and a puffer and the ammonia and nitrites are off the chart and now I am concerned he won’t make it.

I do not want to add something to the tanks (in the filter) that removes ammonia because this will disrupt the natural nitrogen cycle. Correct?

Is there something I can add to the tap water prior to the water change that will remove/break it down?

Thoughts anyone?

Treat your water with a product that removes chlorine and chloramines.
Contact your water company for a water analysis report.
Water changes according to the instructions given by tttnjfttt.

Wierd that the biospira didn't work for you. We used biospira with good results. We never had any ammonia readings, but have had readings of nitrites. We do water changes in order to keep levels below .50. Biospira must be kept refrigerated constantly until it is introduced to the tank. If your LFS failed to do so, or if they failed to tell you to do so, that could be the problem. Also your fish must be introduced within 24 hours or the bacteria die off.