Our new 10 gallon which had been fully cycled, or so we thought has an ammonia level (using the test strips) that indicates border line stress as it's indicated. Nitrite and nitrate indicate safe? On the Nitrite and nitrate test bottle it says to replace some water if these levels are high but the ammonia test kit says nothing about what to do when ammonia borders on the stress level indication? This is a cold water tank with 4 White clouds in it only so far. Could cleaning the bottom of the gravel of any laying un eaten food help?
Ammonia level high
- Thread starter rickr01
- Start date
Im not experienced, but from what I have been told, do a water change, maybe 10-15%. then test ammonia again. Thats just from what I have read anyhow, so don't take my word for it. Can't hurt anything if you do I figure as long as its not a large water change, as it can stress the fishes.
Have you added any fish lately? Did you do a fish cycle or fishless? you said its new, I have read that if you have just cycled a tank, and add alot of fish to it, that could cause more ammonia to build up then your bacteria can consume. And yes, cleaning up any un-eaten food will decrease ammonia, decaying food and fish waste both contribute to ammonia.
hope I helped.
Have you added any fish lately? Did you do a fish cycle or fishless? you said its new, I have read that if you have just cycled a tank, and add alot of fish to it, that could cause more ammonia to build up then your bacteria can consume. And yes, cleaning up any un-eaten food will decrease ammonia, decaying food and fish waste both contribute to ammonia.
hope I helped.
if the tank is truly cycled the readings should be ammonia 0 , nitrite0- nitrates (should have nitrates reading)
if the tank was fishless cycle..you do a 50% water change after the cycle has complted and add fish slowly.
adding fish may cause a small spike in ammonia and possibly nitrites) but should be dropping or gone within 24 hrs.
if the tank was fishless cycle..you do a 50% water change after the cycle has complted and add fish slowly.
adding fish may cause a small spike in ammonia and possibly nitrites) but should be dropping or gone within 24 hrs.
Ammonia drops for testing are much more accurate the API drops are the best but you must be accurate in the amount of drops you use the instructions will tell you 8 drops per bottle to the test tube of water and then wait 5 minutes and then read it has a small chart to compare results you get. Yes I also agree that if you have ammonia do water changes and then test again. I am cycling a tank too and was told when you add more fish to do it very slowly like a couple of fish per week until fully stocked. I intend on waiting atleast 1 week post cycling to make sure I keep the proper levels before I add any more to what I already have in the tank. The API ph drops are great too I switched from the strips to the drops I find them much more accurate. Good luck!
do you have carbon in your filters pads
that is good for taking out some bad stuff
it also will keep the water from smelling bad
that is good for taking out some bad stuff
it also will keep the water from smelling bad
if you have ammonia in the tank do a water change. i would do 50%. ammonia and nitrites are very harmful to your fish.