On-Going Ammonia Problems

[muelleh]

I have a 30 gal established tank and have just started having ammonia problems. I change 30% of the water weekly, and have two 30 gal. filters running. Even after I changed the water today, I still register some ammonia (less than .25 but more than 0). I have two questions: (1) how long should I wait to test the water after a water change and (2) how often can I safely change the water until I get readings of 0? Nitrite is 0 and nitrate greater than 5.0 but less than 10. Have tested my tap water - it is not the problem.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Assaye]

When you're having ammonia problems you can safely change the water a couple of times a day to get it right again. This is exactly what people do when they're managing a fish-in cycle. I would wait an hour after changing to test just to make sure all the water is mixed in. With ammonia problems, I'd do at least 50% water changes each time.

 

[muelleh]

When you're having ammonia problems you can safely change the water a couple of times a day to get it right again. This is exactly what people do when they're managing a fish-in cycle. I would wait an hour after changing to test just to make sure all the water is mixed in. With ammonia problems, I'd do at least 50% water changes each time.

Thanks so much! Just the help I needed

 

[WILDER]

How many fish and which type.
How long has the tank been set up.
Do you overfeed.
How often do you maintain the tank.
What your tap ammonia reading.
What test kit are you using.