My ammonia filled fish tank...?

Question

I have a ten gallon fish tank that contains 6 fish. The ammonia is too high and the ph and alkalinity is too low. I added ammonia decrease and ph increase about 2 days ago. The ph has increased a little but the ammonia has stayed the same. What should i do?

Answer 1

I'll post this again, since I just answered your previous question


How new is this tank?

It sounds as if you have New Tank Syndrome, where your ammonia levels are high because the tank is not done cycling. This means that there is not an established colony of beneficial bacteria, which breaks down toxic ammonia into less toxic nitrite, which in turn breaks down to even less toxic nitrate. This process takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete, and it is not safe to keep fish in the tank until then.

Chemicals are close to useless when dealing with water conditions, so other measures must be taken.

First, if you want to cycle with fish, you must reduce your fish population to 1 or 2. The ammonia that those fish produce will jump start the bacteria growth without overpowering the tank.

If you want to do a fishless cycle, remove all your fish, and add a source of pure ammonia instead. Google "fishless tank cycle" for more information. They also sell small packets of bacteria in most aquarium stores, which provide all you need with no wait time.

All this information is based on the assumption that this is a new tank. If it is not, then its more than likely an overpopulation issue, in which case you need to upgrade your tank, or remove some fish..

Answer 2

ammonia is very hard to tackle. you may have to put in a little treatment everyday after you do a water change. its best you try to not put chemicals in too much but if the water changes dont work your fish will stress from the ammonia and die. did you just recently start this tank? if you did it is cycling and this is normal for the ammonia to rise. when enough bacteria is alive in your tank the ammonia will be changed to nitrites then nitrates which is a much less toxic form your fish can live in.

Answer 3

A Short Brief on the Nitrogen Cycle.


When you start a new aquarium it will go through what is called the nitrogen cycle.

The nitrogen cycle is a process which allows "good" bacteria to establish and multiple in the tank, thus breaking down the fish wastes.

Fish excrete ammonia as a waste product. Ammonia is highly toxic to fish and even small quantities in the water can kill your fish. The first bacteria that establish as part of the nitrogen cycle break down ammonia into a product called nitrites.

Nitrites are also toxic to your fish, but not nearly as toxic as ammonia is. As the nitrites start to rise in the tank the bacteria that feed on nitrites will start to multiply and consume the nitrites breaking them down into nitrates.

Nitrates are also toxic to fish, but only in very high quantities. The nitrates will continue to rise in your tank as long as you have fish and are feeding them. Water changes are used to reduce the nitrate levels.


How long does this process take?

Typically the nitrogen cycle takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. During this time it's recommended that you take samples of your tank water to the local fish store and ask them to test it for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. The test levels will progress as follows:


Stage 1:

Ammonia zero
Nitrites zero
Nitrates zero

Stage 2:

Ammonia starts to rise
Nitrites zero
Nitrates zero

Stage 3:
Ammonia continues to rise
Nitrites begin to rise
Nitrites zero

Stage 4:
Ammonia levels drop
Nitrites continue to rise
Nitrates begin to rise

Stage 5:
Ammonia: zero
Nitrites levels drop
Nitrates continue to rise

Stage 6:
Ammonia: Zero
Nitrites: Zero
Nitrates continue slow rise



Tips to reduce the time of the nitrogen cycle.

The easiest way to reduce or eliminate the nitrogen cycle is to use a filter from an established tank. This filter already has the bacteria needed to breakdown ammonia and nitrites. By using an established filter you essentially bypass the nitrogen cycle.

Another easy way to shorten the cycle is to use "seed" gravel from an established tank. Simply take a few cups of gravel from an established tank and add it directly into the new tank. This gravel will contain a starter of the bacteria needed. If you don't want to add the gravel to the tank because it is a different color/stone than your gravel you can simply put it into a nylon stocking or cheese cloth "bag" and drop it into the tank. Using this method can cut your cycle time by 50%.

Finally there are live cultures of bacteria such as Bio-Spira (available at http://www.fishstoretn.com ) which will seed your tank with the bacteria needed. This product can virtually eliminate the cycling process.



Stocking your tank during this period.

During the cycling process you want to stock your tank very lightly. This is because if you have too many fish the ammonia will build up faster than the bacteria can break it down and your fish will die. I recommend only 1 or 2 hardy fish such as mollies. You want a fish that can tolerate the fluctuating ammonia and nitrite levels during the cycling process. There are many fish which should be avoided during this process including all catfish and any scaleless fish such as loaches.



Feeding during the cycling process.

I recommend that you feed your fish only once per day, and only as much as they will eat in 5-10 seconds. You should net out any food left over after feeding to prevent it from breaking down into ammonia. Once the cycling process completes you can double the feedings to twice a day.



Water changes during the cycling process.

If done correctly your tank shouldn't need any water changes during the cycling process. However should you find that your ammonia or nitrite levels are dangerously high during the cycling process you should do an immediate 25-50% water change to lower those levels. Water changes during the cycling process can extend the time it takes for your tank to cycle. Once the tank has completed cycling you should start your weekly 10-25% water changes to lower the nitrates in the tank.

Answer 4

You will not have to use any chemicals if you do partial water changes every 3 to 4 weeks. Believe me, this is the ony way to keep your fish healthy. If you've never done one and your tank is new, do about 50% now. Follow up every 3-4 weeks with 1/4 - 1/3 water changes and don't forget to ad dechlorinator before you ad new water.

Answer 5

I am going to guess you just started this tank from what you are telling me here. First of all, perform a water change immediately! Like about 3.5 gallons. Tommorow, change another gallon, the next day another gallon.
Secondly, don't feed your fish for a day or so.
Third, add 1 tsp of aquarium salt to your tank (NOT table salt or sea salt...freshwater aqarium salt)

Answer 6

No. You have to use water conditioner, or let the water sit out for a few days. Because the fish will die from the chlorine in tap water.

Answer 7

Remove 25% of the water and add in fresh dechlorinated water.

Do this every three days until normal

Answer 8

You need to change water ASAP. Adding chemicals does not work.

Why are you trying to lower Ph?

Answer 9

water changes of about 25%-33% every couple of days until its normal.

Answer 10

O-V-E-R-S-T-O-C-K-E-D....