Ammonia Not Dropping

[Gillette1985]

since purchasing the api test kit, ive been monitoring my ammonia. its currently sitting at around 1-2ppm, i understand i need to get this number down to 0. After doing serveral big WC, waiting a while then re-testing, there isnt a big difference in the readings. Why is the level not going down?? any help much appriciated.

 

[mattlee]

do 1 huge water change giving the fish just enough water to swim in. you should see a difference then as when you do several smaller changes you will be removing water that is freshly added as well as old bad water.

also try testing the tap water to see if any is in that

 

[Gillette1985]

tap water tested at 0. wont a water change that big cause damage to any bacteria i may have so far?

i thought that the amount of water changes i've done so far would have at least diluted it

 

[justjon]

since purchasing the api test kit, ive been monitoring my ammonia. its currently sitting at around 1-2ppm, i understand i need to get this number down to 0. After doing serveral big WC, waiting a while then re-testing, there isnt a big difference in the readings. Why is the level not going down?? any help much appriciated.

More info is needed to aid you here;

Tank Size
When the tank was setup
Filter type
Fish in the tank

 

[Gillette1985]

23litre fluval edge, tank set up 3 weeks, filter is the one that comes with the edge, 5 neon tetra, 3 male guppies and 6 cherry shrimp.

its only since i bought the api kit i've started worrying. im new to all this fish keeping and currently changing water twice sometimes 3 times a day between 30-60% at a time

 

[mattlee]

changing water does not upset the bacteria at all. yes it needs ammonia to grow and survive but at the same time the fish will be poisoned. this is when a tank is cycled it cycles to the stocking so the bacteria is enough to counteract the ammonia

 

[Gillette1985]

i think i'll do another ammonia test before i go to bed, and maybe a water change to the extent of enough water for the fish to swim, then see how it is in the morning

 

[mattlee]

i think i'll do another ammonia test before i go to bed, and maybe a water change to the extent of enough water for the fish to swim, then see how it is in the morning

it will cause stress to the fish but so will the ammonia levels and the fact that they are being poisoned......