ammonia lvls

[dannykerbles]

i have a 2 week old 10 gallon tank...according to the instructions all my lvls are safe. i use cycle and the tetra aquasafe water conditioner and have done 2 water changes(2 gallons each).I have a few fish: 1 betta/2 silver black stripped danios/2
other danios(forgot what kind) 1 harlaquin rasorba/1 blue/red tetra...tho i have had a few fatalities(hey i am learning...) my fish seem to be okay......

the problem...i cannot get the ammonia lvl to zero! I dont think i over feed my fish
so there isnt alot of decaying organic matter in the tank...
I have used this ammonia clear fizzing tab(before last water change) and i read on here that it might not give you an accurate reading afterward...

Am i over reacting?
Is the tank just Cycling?
AUGH!!!

I use test strips and i also used water w/ the drops testing...both say the same thing...
Any suggestions will be helpful....

 

[heresmike]

Yup, your tank is still cycling. Patience is the key. I don't really think it's necessary for YOU to get the ammo level to zero ... as the cycle takes place, the ammo and nitrite level will get to zero on their own. A certain amount of ammo is needed for the benficial bacteria to form. Of course, if your fish are showing signs of distress from high ammo or nitrites, you should do a partial water change to relieve this. Good luck!

 

[tstenback]

I agree with heresmike. the tank is only 2 weeks old and the cycle can often take upwards of 6 - 8 weeks depending on the number of fish being used to cycle. The guideline i have used in cycling with fish is to try to do enough water changes so that the ammonia level is at or below 1. This will leave enough ammonia for the bacteria to grow and should not affect the length of the cycle too much. So keep on going as you are and pay careful attention to the conditions and actions of your fish. good luck!

 

[dannykerbles]

WHEW!!
thanks for the help...like an new mother i was starting to worry and my 'kids' are
looking happy and healthy!!

again...thanks!

 

[mrV]

Ammonia at any levels is very toxic to fishes... So, if you find product called "Bio-Spira", buy it and use it. It's only product that really contains good bacteria that you need.