Ammonia Levels

[fatguppy]

I have a 180 litre tank which has been cycled for about 18 months with no problems. I suddenly developed fungus on the fish which was particularly virulent and as I noticed it one night on the way to bed and I was unable to get any treatment before the next evening I used Methylene Blue. I hasten to add that I think that the tank had become overstocked as the fish got bigger - but this does not explain my current problem - please read on. The fish however, slowly but surely died and I am left with 1 x moonlight gourami and 2 x neon tetras. This has been the situation for around 6 weeks.

My problem is that the ammonia levels are really high but the nitrite is fine. This has been the situation for the whole 6 weeks. I have asked for advice from my lfs who think that for some reason the appropriate bacteria are not developing. I have added Tankstart (or some such name) to help develop the bacteria and am around 5 treatments into a 7 treatment cycle. No difference at all in the ammonia levels.

Before you ask - no I do not wash the filters in tap water, I have not added anything different since the methylene blue. The filters are the same (well cycled) filters. The pump is fine - I have had a new power head as the other one failed but this has not made any difference. I am not over or under changing the water. Everything is the same as when the tank was cycled and healthy. But I cannot get the tank to start cycling.

I am at a loss - other than introduce live bacteria (if this is advised what sort of price are we looking at), or to simply start again. Any bright ideas before I cry

 

[Underwurlde]

No Ammonia munching bacteria = no nitrite.

Can you ask the LFS guy if you can seed from some of his filters.

Andy

 

[rowdyburns21]

was you geting ammonia readings before the fungus incident? or was it after you treated?

 

[fatguppy]

Don't understand how to "seed". The ammonia levels were okay prior to the treatment going in. I think that answers both questions - thanks guys. I think the main thrust of this thread is that for some reason unknown to either us or the lfs (who are very good actually) we are not producing the ammonia eating bacteria.

Any ideas on live bacteria, or advice on whether or not it would be easier and cheaper to start from scratch with new filters?

 

[Underwurlde]

Don't understand how to "seed".

Ask the guy at the LFS. If you draw a blank, ask agian.

Any ideas on live bacteria

This is what seeding will do for you for free.

Andy

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

As far as i am aware, Methylene Blue kills off beneficial bacteria that keeps your tank cycled.

 

[n3ont3tra]

Yeah, if the methylene blue is still in there, you'll still be getting ammonia. That's why you should QT the fish and give the treatment in the QT tank.

 

[marky]

I had a similar problem a few years ago, I had to use a carbon pad in my filter to remove the medication from the water before any bacteria would grow. Lots of death first. I was NOT happy.

 

[dthoffsett]

Don't understand how to "seed". The ammonia levels were okay prior to the treatment going in. I think that answers both questions - thanks guys. I think the main thrust of this thread is that for some reason unknown to either us or the lfs (who are very good actually) we are not producing the ammonia eating bacteria.

Any ideas on live bacteria, or advice on whether or not it would be easier and cheaper to start from scratch with new filters?

Ask the LFS you go to for either filter "squeezings", or a piece of their filter material. Make sure it is in a bag with some tank water, add either the squeezings or filter material to your filter sponge/cartridge. The healthy bacteria on the LFS filter material will transfer to yours thereby speeding up the cycling process. Also called seeding.

Before you do that though, I'd highly suggest running some fresh carbon on your tank for a week or two, you'll need to do daily or every two day water changes until your ammonia reaches 0 again.

If your LFS won't/can't help you out, Bactinettes (in the UK) or Biro-Spira (in the US) are considered to be the only "true" source of live beneficial bacteria. However, unless it has been kept refrigerated during storage and transport the bacteria can die off. Not sure how much it cost though.

 

[fatguppy]

Thanks for this folks. I will try the seeding and also the carbon filters.

i'll keep you posted on results.