what can cause High ammonia levels in a tank?

[lilgooglybears]

DH and I have been changing the water in the tank and have lost another fish. SO now we've had 6 victims and still the water's ammonia level is way high. We changed 50% of it and the levels were about mid way on the testing kit. LAst night we tested again and they're the darkest it can get.

Now I have a bit more info to give you guys...please help....this is depressing! :thud:

we have a 60-65 gal tank with 2 filters. One is a regent and the other is emperor (?) with a bio wheel. we have 2 heaters in the tank because well, it is freezing in my house with all the snowy weather going on outside.

we have the tank set up with crushed coral on the bottom and sea glass. we have the usual rocks displayed along with a castle and an air pump pumping air through it.

The fish weren't eating at all. They now eat very little and at least once a day when they would normally eat at least twice. (and fight each other for the food!) The bigger fish seem to be taking it the worst. The fry are eating and fighting...even are brave enough to go for the big pieces of flakes now.

I really want to get to the botttom of this because DH says if the fish die he's either emptying the tank and putting it away or buying freshwater fish like sharks (I don't want them! I like my cichlids!!!:sad ) .

I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[JSchmidt]

If you haven't read this 'sticky' thread on the newbies forum, you really should. It covers cycling with fish in detail.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3194

Remember: when cycling with fish, water changes are your best weapon against ammonia/nitrite poisoning.

Good luck,
Jim

 

[lilgooglybears]

Thank you!:bowing:

 

[TKOS]

You've got to do water changes until the ammonia levels get down to 1pp or less. Your ammonia levels were so high that even a 50% water change was not enough. Once you get them to a safe low point then it is possible that you can keep up with any increases with smaller daily changes or 20-30% or even less. Eventually that ammonia will also turn into nitrite which is even more deadly to fish. So water changes until ammonia is reading zero and if you can get a test kit for nitrites that would be great as well.