Cannot get rid of amonia?

Question

I have changed the water, I have used the drops, I have used the PH balance tabs, ..........nothing I try is working. I use the amonia tabs(that says they work immediattly) do the test, and the amonia is still high

Answer 1

C-Live is correct.

Just to add a bit, your tank isn't cycled yet (that is to say the beneficial bacteria colonies which process ammonia and nitrite are not in enough numbers yet).

In time (4-6 weeks from when you first set up), bacteria will process the ammonia and nitrite in your tank as fast as it is produced. In the mean time do frequent water changes and refrain from chemicals.

Answer 2

keep doing water changes. do at least a 50% water change every two days. you may have too many fish in the tank. pH doesn't have too much to do with ammonia, so the pH tabs are irrelevant in this case. Ammonia tabs are a temporary solution, and don't do much except alter the chemistry by adding more chemicals to the water, which isn't really a solution. Make sure you only have about one inch of fish for every two gallons, because you seem to be having problems. Generally, the rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon, but since you are having issues, i suggest you tone it down a bit. Simply keep doing water changes and maybe get a bigger tank? Don't rinse out the gravel at all, because that is where the good bacteria is growing. That helps get rid of the ammonia. Also, make sure your filter has a place where the good bacteria can grow (biological filtration). You can try adding Cycle, like someone said previously, which will help the microorganisms and bacteria grow. good luck.

Answer 3

In my experience with my tank, ammonia was hard to get rid of also. All those extra chemicals in the drops, tablets etc., seem to only make things worse. I was told to do constant water changes, about 1/3rd of the tank. The ammonia has to cycle out, pretty much on it's own. If you know someone that has an established well balanced tank, see if you can get some of their water to use. Sometimes that helps even out the cycle, and triggers the process. Ammonia, PH and Nitrates need each other to balance out. And it takes time. I say do it naturally, do water changes every day, add cycled water if you can, and stay away from the "instant" fixes.

Answer 4

Do a 40-50% water change and go to walmart or a local pet store and get Prime and treat the water your going to place in the tank with it. It is known for bringing the ammonia level and I use it all the time. Then every week do 20% water changes and make sure your fitration is working right and everything should be fine.

Answer 5

I had an merchandise of clothing that could no longer be washed and had an odour on it, sweat and cigarette smoke, the way I have been given rid of it become only putting it out on the line outdoors on a powerful blowy day, I left it out for a pair of days, only bringing it in at night. It worked for me so possibly nicely worth a try.

Answer 6

STOP ADDING CHEMICALS except dechlorinator do small frequent water changes for about a week or two 15-25% then check again it should go down

Answer 7

use a gravel vaccum and use a ammonia neutralizer and keep doing water changes every other day abuot 5% until you get your ammonia to a safe level

Answer 8

ill say it agian use the gravel vac and the instruction too its very tricky

Answer 9

have you tried cycle ? it is a liquid that reduces danderous ammonia and nitrite levels. it works..