Ammonia

[Annastasia]

I have a 3 week old 30 gallon tank. Recently the ammonia got very high and the water got cloudy. Is this normal for the water to get cloudy?
And, is there anything I can put in so the ammonia will go down?

Thanks!

 

[heresmike]

The cloudiness is probably due to bacteria bloom. This is part of the normal cycle, and will go away once the cycle is complete. There are products available that will reduce the toxicity of ammonia (ammo-lock or amquel) but I think they will also lengthen the cycle time.

Do you have fish in the tank, or are you doing a fishless cycle? If you have fish, what kind, how many, and how are they doing?

 

[heresmike]

Just noticed in your sig that you have a 30 gallon listed with occupants. Is this the 30 gallon you're referring to? If so, how are these fish doing? If they're suffering, I'd recommend doing a water change to lower the ammonia and nitrite levels. Are you checking for nitrites and nitrates?

Also recommend feeding lightly every other day only until cycle is complete.

Hope this helps!

 

[Annastasia]

Yes, I am talking about the 30. The fish in there are doing pretty well.
I have been checking for nirates and nitrates and they are both 0.0. I just checked the ammonia, and it is down low too. But the tank is still cloudy.
The tank has been running for 5 weeks.
How much longer is it going to be cloudy?

 

[heresmike]

Did you cycle the tank?

When you say the ammonia is "down low", what does that mean? Is it above zero? If so, it sounds like your tank hasn't cycled yet. Another indication is that nitrates are zero. Usually in a cycled tank, nitrates will be above 0.

If the tank hasn't cycled yet, you might want to read this:
http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...showtopic=10099

 

[Angel Lady]

If the fish are all ok then I wouldnt do anything. But if they are acting like they are having trouble then I would do a ten percent water change daily. This will prolong your cycle but it will keep your fish alive to. The cloudy water is normal it should go away in a day or to. Make sure you keep a close eye on the nitrites when they start to go up then your tank is in the second stage of the cycle. This will kill your fish if it gets to high. When it starts to get higher then I would do a 10 percent water change daily until you get it down to 0.

 

[Annastasia]

Thanks guys!! I will let you know how it goes!