Ammonia Neutralizer

[purpleprincess]

I've had a lot of difficulty removing the ammonia from my 20 gallon tank... I've been doing a lot of water changes in addition to ammonia neutralizer, but I was wondering which ammonia neutralizer(s) other people have found to be the most effective?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

What ammonia "neutralizer" are you using?


Using products like Ammo-lock will actually work AGAINST you in the long run. Unfortunately, it sounds like you are in the midst of a fish-in cycle. The only way to get through this is with a lot of water changes. If you could get a freind with a tank to donate some mature media material to you, it will greatly help you. The only product I would suggest you use in addition to the water changes would be a quality dechlorinator like Prime or Stress Coat+ which converts the ammonia to ammonium (which is LESS toxic, but still dangerous). This less toxic form is still available to your bacteria to process and therefore will still promote their growth. The problem with products like Ammo-lock is that it actually completely takes out the ammonia from the water, which is good for your fish in the short run, but BAD in the long run since you will continually have to deal with this chemical additive with your tank, or you will have a massive ammonia spike at some point.

 

[KISSfn]

Actually, Ammo Lock converts ammonia to ammonium like Prime. I've used it with Prime and it works as a temporary treatment in my experience with it. Emphasis on TEMPORARY.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I've done the same, KISSfn. As you said, it only works in the short term. Still the best solution is lots of big water changes. Getting some mature media from someone would help a great deal. Too bad I'm way the heck over here, because I just broke down my fry tank and have a nice big chunk of mature media that I tossed back in my 55g filter.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Apologies for misinforming regarding Ammo-lock, I must have gotten it confused with another product. The basic scenario is still the same. Be sure to do water changes to properly deal with excess ammonia.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

I've had a lot of difficulty removing the ammonia from my 20 gallon tank... I've been doing a lot of water changes in addition to ammonia neutralizer, but I was wondering which ammonia neutralizer(s) other people have found to be the most effective?

Before we start pouring all sorts in the tank how long has it been set up, whats your stocks/amount, what filter and did you cycle it ?

 

[Akasha72]

When I was doing my fish in cycle I used King British Safe Water. It claims to help the ammonia convert to Nitrite then Nitrate. There's many posts on here with plenty of discussion as to whether these things work or not (I'm indifferent tbh) it cost less than £5.00 for a larger bottle than things like stresszyme etc so I gave it a go. I'm not going to claim that it worked as I can't be certain but for the price it was worth trying.

My tank is now ammonia and nitrite free with a nitrate level of around 10