NitrAtes/NitrItes fine, Amonia high??

[Chickengooch]

We have had our tank with fish in it for about 3 weeks (after cycling). We have 1 platy, 2 tetras (1 long finned, 1 bleeding heart), 1 placostamous (sp?), and 18 baby platies (platies gave birth to those about 3 days after getting the platies). All our levels were safe until this week. Our amonia has spiked, went from safe to harmful and the water is cloudy. We have changed 25% of the water weekly, and cleaned the tank 1 time (meaning suctioned the gravel). We have a filter and a heater. The babies are in a breeding tank, and seem to be fine, none have died and are growing well. We feed 2-3 times a day, flakes or granules. What could be going on with the water and amonia? Thanks for any help!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Ammonia is from excess feeding and/or excrement.

If the ammonia spikes, it's because of an influx of fish or the aforementioned possibilities.

Keep up the water changes and maybe even do two changes a week.

As for the spelling, it is "plecostomus".

What size tank? What type of plec? Are you feeding the plec algae wafers or the like?

 

[Chickengooch]

Ammonia is from excess feeding and/or excrement.

If the ammonia spikes, it's because of an influx of fish or the aforementioned possibilities.

Keep up the water changes and maybe even do two changes a week.

As for the spelling, it is "plecostomus".

What size tank? What type of plec? Are you feeding the plec algae wafers or the like?

10 gal tank

I don't know what kind of plec it is...sorry!

Algea wafers occasionally, he is usually latched on the tank...

 

[Tempestuousfury]

The thing is, common plecs get to over 1' in length. You might have to upgrade the tank or give it away if this is the type of fish you have.

 

[Chickengooch]

The thing is, common plecs get to over 1' in length.

My husband is the one who picked it out, we decided we will find another home for it if it gets too big for our tank, and just buy another plec!