Ammonia out of control?

Question

I can't keep my ammonia down! I've tried everything, from water changes, to filter changes, I used the Cycle stuff to promote the biological filter, I've used Ammo-Lock to try to detoxify it, but every time I test the water it's dangerously high!! What else can I do?

For those who asked, I have a 16gal with 7 small fish and a baby aquatic crab. I only feed once a day, and sometimes I forget altogether. I do 30% water changes every week. I've only had the tank set up for about a month.

Answer 1

You're probably experiencing what is known in the hobby as an "ammonia spike".

To understand the process know that fish constantly produce ammonia, as does waste and decaying organic matter in the tank.

The ammonia in your tank is being produced faster than the bacteria can process it (it takes time for the bacteria colony to become fully established, a good month at least).

When your bacteria is capable of instantaneously processing all the ammonia in the tank your ammonia will become undetectable (the bacteria processes the ammonia and converts it into nitrite).

This means when your ammonia becomes undetectable, your nitrites will get out of control (you'll experience a "nitrite spike"). They'll stay high for quite awhile until a different type of bacteria converts the nitrItes into nitrAtes.

You'll just have to wait it out. Feed your fish once every other day to cut down on waste production. Do 25% water changes every three days until both ammonia and nitrites are undetectable. These spikes are what kill most fish in the beginning.

Or get some Bio-Spira. It's refrigerated live bacteria and will cycle your tank in days or even instantly depending on your bio-load (you gotta keep bio-spira cold until use).

Answer 2

Do a 50% water change right away. You should be doing regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes. This will keep the ammonia level down unless you have overcrowded the tank. Remember, one inch of small slim fish for each gallon of water.

Is it a small tank (10 gallons or less) with a lot of fish in it? Did you just set it up? You may start losing fish if you don't start getting the level down. Partial water changes every other day for 6 days, then...weekly!

Answer 3

do frequent water changes like 10-20% a day also if your tank is new it is normal for the ammonia levels to be high don't worry give it a few weeks it should go down

Answer 4

I use two products from SERA: Aqutan and Nitrivec
For a faster effect you can also try Sera Toxivec.
But before spending money for nothing did you check if the water from the faucet already contain high levels of ammonia?

Answer 5

ok s owhat size aquarium bo you have? How many fish do you have, how aften are you feeding? Whan you do water changes do you use a gravel Vacumme? Water changes are going to be your best friends, Dilution is the solution to pollution!!!! Try to remember that your fish don't need to eat alot, cut back to once a day, a hungry fish is a healthy fish!!Well I hope that this has helped.
Happy Fishing

Answer 6

Wow. You could distill the water. Or you could try to add acid and then boil the water off and leave the ammonium salt behind.

I would distill the water. Good luck.