Can anyone explain this.

[NapoliNewJersey]

When you cycle your tank and the water is fine, then do a massive water change how does the amonia not come back?

 

[snickle]

I am not sure about marine, but in freshwater most of the bacteria is in the filter and gravel. So a water change has very little effect on the bio-filter.

 

[fsn77]

There's very little bacteria that break down waste in the water itself. The live rock and sand bed is where the vast majority of the beneficial bacteria reside.

 

[5xevy]

The ammonia forms into nitrite which is then converted into nitrate. Like someone said above, it's in your filter, your sandbed, your liverock (which is why you should never "wash" your LR or filter media in freshwater and why it's usually recommended to have at least 1-2lbs. of LR per 1 gallon).

It's always possible to get small ammonia spikes if one adds too many fish at the same time (the filter and bacteria need to "catch up"), overfeeds so there is uneaten food, fish deaths or other decaying matter, as well as certain medications which can literally kill off the much-needed bacteria.

 

[lotuskid]

As 5xevy said. The ammonia comes from fishy waste and decaying matter, so unless there is any ammonia already in the new water you are putting into the tank then you are not adding any extra ammonia so you don't get a spike.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

Thanks guys. I have two more questions.

When I do a water change and my only sorce is tap water, do I need to add anything like water conditioner to my water?

Also is a 50% water change too much to do for my first change?

 

[darkcirca]

You need at least water conditioner. You also should test your water to see what is in it. Depending on where you live it can have all sorts of nasty stuff. Here it has Nitrate and Ammonia, which wasn't even removed with a conditioner, so we had to buy a RO/DI unit

 

[Rbishop]

Thanks guys. I have two more questions.

When I do a water change and my only sorce is tap water, do I need to add anything like water conditioner to my water?

Also is a 50% water change too much to do for my first change?

In relation to a SW or FW tank? :huh:

 

[Catpicklesdog]

You need at least water conditioner. You also should test your water to see what is in it. Depending on where you live it can have all sorts of nasty stuff. Here it has Nitrate and Ammonia, which wasn't even removed with a conditioner, so we had to buy a RO/DI unit

Also check for phosphates. That's been the root of all my evils!!! If you can, get an R/O unit yourself or try your LFS they usually sell it/give it.

 

[Reefscape]

Ali - You really should see a doctor about your phosphate issue...we have medicine that can help !!!!......he he he he he

Niko