ammonia way too high

L

luluespy

AC Members
Feb 17, 2009
10
0
0
Hi! New to hobby!

Have 75 gallon freshwater tank 1 oscar (4 inches), 1 mixed cichlid (4 inches) and 1 pleco (7 inches) - have had tank setup for 1 month. Ammonia level still at 4.0 - water changes up to 50% every other day to every 2 days - pH 7.6 (maintained since setup), nitrites 0, and nitrates 0. 2 - 60 gallon whisper bio filters, have not changed, but have rinsed.
2 airstones.

Tank does not seem to be cycling - use Wardley's chor-out with each water change, AP aquarium salt used. I have tested tap water for ammonia with readings of 0. I use liquid test kit not strips, fish still eating, but fins are looking beat up or frailed.

Used Ammo-lock 1 week ago - ammonia levels did not change. Ammonia levels also do not change even immediately after water change. What can I do - I don't want to loose my fish or make them suffer.
 
Sadly, I think these fish are going to have a hard time trying to live through cycling (from what I've read). First - keep doing regular water changes and if you can get some Prime, get it and use it. It helps to make the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate into a non toxic form for the fish, but the beneficial bacteria can still use. You also need to get a source of bacteria. Do you know anyone with an established tank? If so get some filter media and substrate. Your tank won't cycle unless there's a source of bacteria, and depending on where you live, if your ground is frozen solid, there's much less bacteria "floating" around and landing in your tank. I think your fish are getting ammonia burns so you really need to neutralize the ammonia - things like ammo lock will only last about 24 hours I think, so you have to continue to add.
 
Also - I should have mentioned that this is a very common mistake and we're all anxious to get cool fish in our aquariums, and sadly many pet stores are not good at giving info about how to properly start an aquarium. I'm sorry you're having such a time! I'm going to go look for a couple of links to help you.
 
see if someone has some filter media you can have to jump start things, I give some away to first time people if they want my fish but there tanks are not really cycled yet. they say my fish do awesome . and keep up the water changes :)
 
Where are you located? What type of fish/pet store did you get your fish from? Maybe they could spare some bacteria infested stuff.
 
in Alabama

Bought fish, everything etc from long standing tropical fish store, will call tomorrow and ask if they could spare any - thanks
 
When you rinsed your biofilters did you use tap water?
 
For tonight, I believe you should do another 50% water change, treat the water and add ammo-lock as well.
 
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