Dreaded Ammonia!

[sallyann]

I cannot believe I now have ammonia in my tank, As you know i added meds on Friday, after usual water change, goldfish fine over the week-end, just took a look this afternoon, and sat at the bottom of the tank, so tested water, ammonia nearly at 0.25, between o and 0.25. so changed 10 litres of water and it is back down to 0, shall i add the meds topped up for the 10 litres I have just taken out? I think the meds have wiped out some bacteria on the filter sponge, I have not rinsed out the sponge in the water taken out. I don't know what to do now.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

well we did discuss that this might happen, sad though but i'm sure we'll get through it

how is he looking now? remind me what the instructions for the meds are and where you are up to please.

 

[sallyann]

ok, looking much happier now, we have done the first lots of meds, and after 4 days had to add the second dose which was last Friday, which i did after cleaning tank out, 30% of water and vac gravel. Pop eye still there, but fins much better, probably not pop eye. Not due to add any more meds, was going to do a 75% water change before going on hols on 8th July.

all other stats ok, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, ph 7.4, forgot to say.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

when it say's to add the 2nd dose, does it say how long it should be before you change the water or anything like that?

i agree it's probably not pop-eye could be a previous injury or a deformity which happens from time to time.

i remember you're off on your hols soon, don't panic over the ammonia, lets think some more but i can easily pop round with some mature media for you if needs be

 

[sallyann]

No, it just said, after 7 days another fish health treatment or redose can be added, and zeolite can be returned to the aquarium. Fish sitting at bottom, but moves when i go into room.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I would suggest a large water change to remove all the meds from the tank. No point in leaving it with a half dose in. You've said his fins are better and his overall behaviour etc has improved until just now when you've found ammonia which is enough to make him sulk. I would suggest removing all the meds and monitoring levels for the next couple of days, do water changes if needs be but hopefully the filter will catch up form the little ammonia blip quite quickly.

If you've still got ammonia by wed then drop me a message and we'll sort out some media for you on wed/thurs then you've a couple of days to monitor again before you go on your hols, make sure that everythings OK.

 

[sallyann]

Thanks miss wiggle, I agree, the water changes always make him much more active, will go do it now, what do you suggest, 75%? and can i leave him in whilst i do it, as long as he is covered by water, or would you move him to a large bowl?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

75% should be fine

then about an hr after the change run the tests again to make sure all is well. then keep monitoring (twice daily if possible, if not then daily) over the next few days and let us know how you get on.

 

[sallyann]

Ok, many thanks, can do twice daily, so will do, will keep you posted.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

best to do the tests around 12 hrs apart if poss so maybe a mid morning and a mid afternoon test.... whatever suits your routine but something along those lines. Just builds up a fuller picture.

 

[sallyann]

ok, done water change, goldie busy looking for food in the murk that kicks up from bottom with water change, will test soon and let you know results. will do tests then, what about feeded, should I reduce, he gets one flake morning and one night, with peas sometimes, hates carrots!! spits em out lol!!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no, providing he's eating all the food going in just feed as normal.

 

[sallyann]

ok, ammonia back to 0, thank goodness, had a wobble there!!
Gotta go now, so will let you know tommorrow how things are, thanks for your help, you are a star :

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no probs