Ammonia...UUUHHGGG!!!

[Aquaskilz]

My tank (45gal bowl shaped aquarium) has been giving me some problem with ammonia for quite some time now. I've tried weekly water changes (20%) and putting (marineland) ammo chips in my Fluval 3 filter. I heard of this product called Algone and went to their site to read up on this so called "miraculous" product. Is this product any good?? What can I do to fix this problem??

All my (parrot) fish developed ick and died as well as my plants (ammazon swords) :confused:

[OrionGirl]

You need to figure out what is adding the ammonia to your system. Do you have chloramines in your water? Any conditioners? How high ammonia levels are we talking about? How long has the tank been up?

[Aquaskilz]

When I conduct water changes I always add on NovAqua to dechlorinate the water. The tank has been up and running for well over a year. The ammonia level is higher than usual. on a scale of 1 to 5 its always been a [2]. Now its closer to 4.

PS. Can you give me some basic ideas on caring for parrot fish.

[OrionGirl]

Ammonia should always be zero--if it is at all detectable, then your tank is not cycling successfully. Does you water have chloramines? If so, it could be that you are getting a false positive from the test picking up the ammonium (ammonia results from breaking the chloramine bond, and many conditioners bind the ammonia, creating ammonium which bacteria can process but is not toxic to fish).

Run a search in the Cichlid forum--I've never owned parrots, but from what I understand, they are failry hardy as long as not grossly deformed. They can be aggressive, but not usually violent, with other fish. They get large--9-10 inches is common, and they are a very heavy bodied fish.

[Aquaskilz]

Thanks onion girl, you have my utmost respect :p
PS. Any advice on that product Algone?? (www.algone .com)

[OrionGirl]

;) It's ORion...though I admit to being a little stinker every now and then.

I've never used algone, so can't comment. I try to minimize the chemicals I use in my systems, and to only use those that I understand and recognize the ingredients. Of course, even though I recognize aloe vera, I don't think my fish suffer from dry skin, so don't add it to my tanks.

[Aquaskilz]

Im sorry :D ...I didnt know I was miss spelling your name. I should of had my glasses on :cool: !!
As far as the ick that my fish contracted and died from, should I drain all the water and start all over again??

[OrionGirl]

You can, but it's not required. If the tank runs for more than about 3 weeks without any fish, the ich will die off for lack of a host. Tearing down the tank won't gaurantee that you remove all of them, but patience will do so nicely.

No biggie on my name--I assure you I've been called worse. ;)

[Aquaskilz]

Thanks OG you have truley been helpful and save me alot of headache of tearing down my tank. I almost feel safe putting something in the water during that three week waiting period HMMMM?
PS I see my question recieved 74 hits. Is this problem too miniscule or people don't understand ammonia in the aquarium.

[brianfl]

Fwiw, I used algone a couple of times and it didn't seem to do much. I Agree with Orion girl, no need for chemicals unless absolutely necessary. Most people probably didn't reply because og gave good advice and there wasn't much to add.