Ammonia Problem

[soybean]

I cleaned the filter of the stuff inside it, not the bacteria. I just meant a good thorough clean. I have done research but it's just very difficult to find good information, hence why I joined this site. Internet says a lot of different things so that is why I thought everything I have done so far is okay but you guys and the ammonia is proof of the opposite so I'm getting right on it now as it's daytime and thank you for teaching me!

Bacteria grow on the filter too not just the sponges. No.need to clean the filter unless you have a blockage or the flow is drastically reduced. In fact don't touch the filter without checking here first

You say you've done research... ok, the net holds a lot of rubbish, but Ive just done a very quick search on keeping puffers, fighters, BGK fish, common plecs etc and a lot of the info is very good and clear and consistent. There are dedicated sites to them from keen hobbyists etc. I don't think you looked very hard, especially not when the guy told you it was fine!

Anyway. At least you're trying to sort it now

 

[CezzaXV]

What did you use to clean the filter? If you used tap water then the bacteria will be dead as the chlorine kills them. The bacteria grow inside the filter - you can't wash the filter and not the bacteria. If you ever wash your filter, you need to use old tank water to ensure that the bacteria don't die.

 

[Naringlo]

I used my old tank water. I do know some basics but I think I've been misguided in some places. But yeah tapwater is bad. I fill up a bucket of tank water, wash it out in the bucket and place it back in.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

I cleaned the filter of the stuff inside it, not the bacteria. I just meant a good thorough clean. I have done research but it's just very difficult to find good information, hence why I joined this site. Internet says a lot of different things so that is why I thought everything I have done so far is okay but you guys and the ammonia is proof of the opposite so I'm getting right on it now as it's daytime and thank you for teaching me!

Describe how you cleaned the filter please there a few do and dont we can help with. Without being rude if you had done any resesearch other then jobworths in LFS you would not have any of those fish any there and know the tank is unsuitable.
Anyway lets move on instead telling how bad things have been done lets get the ball rolling
Read that fish in cycle and understand it before you do a single thing that might save your fish for long term damage. Will pop on during today to give you a hand on anything you miss

 

[Naringlo]

Can anyone answer my filter power question?

 

[CezzaXV]

As long as you're using a filter of a suitable size for your tank, it should be fine even with a reduced flow. What make/model is your filter?