Hi ammonia levels

[Tdiggy74]

I have had my 55 gallon tank for almost 2 years. I have an extremely hi ammonia level for the first and I can't figure out how to lower it. I did a few water changes and I can't get it lowered.
Any ideas-
Thanks-
Terrie

 

[Deleted member 149562]

Have you tested your water source for its ammonia level as that can mess up your readings/water chemistry?

 

[Tdiggy74]

I just tested it and there is a trace in the water source. The picture is the water from the tank after three changes.

 

[SweetShot]

Hello, have you seen this video on ammonia spikes? It might help TLDW; most likely the ammonia source is food from over feeding or from a hidden dead fish or organic matter like dying plants, do ammonia test on your tap water and if it is good then keep doing water changes

 

[Tdiggy74]

Thanks, the was helpful. How long until the ammonia becomes deadly ?I am afraid that changing the water everyday won't be enough to save them. I noticed it and began water changes yesterday.

 

[Rocky998]

Ok, what water conditiomer are you using? Some only dechlorinate tap water while other dechoromine tap water. Chloromine is a mix of chlorine and ammonia, if you just use a dechlorinator it only seperates the chorine from the ammonia while using something for chloromines will take out chorines and detox ammonia

 

[Rocky998]

Thanks, the was helpful. How long until the ammonia becomes deadly ?I am afraid that changing the water everyday won't be enough to save them. I noticed it and began water changes yesterday.

Ammonia will instantly be toxic. It starts burning gills and other parts of the fish on contact

 

[Tdiggy74]

Ok, what water conditiomer are you using? Some only dechlorinate tap water while other dechoromine tap water. Chloromine is a mix of chlorine and ammonia, if you just use a dechlorinator it only seperates the chorine from the ammonia while using something for chloromines will take out chorines and detox ammonia

I am using Prime, I know in the past I have used more than the recommended amount.

 

[Rocky998]

I am using Prime, I know in the past I have used more than the recommended amount.

That should be removing the ammonia, but I guess its not?... Weird... I use API aqua essentials and it works really well. My tap has about 1ppm of ammonia in it and it removes it instantly.

 

[SweetShot]

Thanks, the was helpful. How long until the ammonia becomes deadly ?I am afraid that changing the water everyday won't be enough to save them. I noticed it and began water changes yesterday.

I think doing the water changes to keep the ammonia down is key make sure to treat with prime and stability. Do you think it could be ammonia build up from fish and food waste? how often did you use to do water changes?

 

[Oblio]

That should be removing the ammonia, but I guess its not?... Weird... I use API aqua essentials and it works really well. My tap has about 1ppm of ammonia in it and it removes it instantly.

I believe it only temporarily detoxifies ammonia and even then many tests will still show ammonia while detoxified.

 

[Rocky998]

I believe it only temporarily detoxifies ammonia and even then many tests will still show ammonia while detoxified.

Yes. But in an established aquarium it basically gets rid of it. By the time the detox wears out, the ammonia is gone.

 

[Byron]

We really need more data here, we are just jumping around without. Test the tap water itself for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH and post the numbers. For pH, you need to out-gas the CO2 from tap water before testing, so you can let a glass of water sit 24 hours, then test--this will be more accurate.

Also test the tank water for the same things, and post the numbers. In both cases, we need the actual numbers.

Do they add chloramine to your water, or just chlorine?

Do you have live plants? What is the fish load (species and numbers of each)? A photo of the tank would be helpful too.

As has been mentioned above, Prime and most similar products that "detoxify" ammonia do not remove it, they bind it (usually into ammonium which is harmless) and this lasts for 24-36 hours. "Ammonia" test kits will still show ammonium as "ammonia," even though it may be harmless at the time. Ammonium can revert back into ammonia. But if the pH is below 7, "ammonia" is primarily ammonium so not such a problem. But we still want to pin this down.

 

[Tdiggy74]

I am trying the API essential now, but I think I am too late. 6 fish have died, my angel fish is swimming upside down, the electric blue ACAI hasn't left the corner of the tank.

 

[Rocky998]

I am trying the API essential now, but I think I am too late. 6 fish have died, my angel fish is swimming upside down, the electric blue ACAI hasn't left the corner of the tank.

Yah, I'm sorry to say but I think most of your fish may die off. Just remember to use the water conditioner on each water change. You may be able to save some of your fish but from the symptoms you are talking about they seem pretty rough.