Ammonia Spiking Issue

[Gildurath]

It seems I have an ammonia issue. I keep doing water changes, and a day later my ammonia is .25ppm again. This has been happening for about 2 weeks. I keep doing 6-10% water changes, 6g, then 4g, then 6g, spread out by 2-3 days, over 2 weeks.

My params are as follows:

Ammonia: .25ppm
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate 5-10ppm
PH: 8.3
Calcium: 480
Phosphate: 0
Temp: 80

I am not missing any livestock, all fish accounted for, maybe a shrimp or a snail might be missing, but my starfish usually clean up anyone who dies pretty quick.


Anyone have any clue what could be causing this? My tank is about 5 years old, and has a bigger sand base, not CC. The sand is from .1mm-.5mm in width, and is about 2-3" deep. I moved it here about 3 months ago from the previous owner.

I do have a 404 Fluvial with media, I was going to change it this weekend. Could the old media be causing the spike, if it is really dirty?

[5xevy]

The first 2 things that come to my mind are your water and test kit. What kind of water are you using? You may want to test the source water.

Secondly, what kind of test kit do you have and when does it expire?

Have you added anything lately and how much do you feed?

Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to help figure out what it may be.

[Gildurath]

I use an RO/DI unit. I will test it tomorrow after work.
The kit is bought new, and is a Pharm one. I will take some water to my LFS and ask him to test it. I just bought a Lawnmower Blenny from him, and it is in QT at the store until next week. I want to make sure the water is not acting up before I bring it home.

I have not added anything other then some Calpura about 3 weeks ago.

I think I do overfeed and have been trying to cut back, would overfeeding cause ammonia?

[Gildurath]

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[Grins]

If you haven't maintained your filter media, yes it could be that.