Ammonia level keeps rising - how do I get it down??

Question

I've already lost one fish. I only had two small platties in my 5 gal. tank. I've done regular 25% water changes. Is it okay to use a water detoxifier?? If so what? Is there a way I can get the levels down without adding a bunch of chemicals to the water? I don't want to lose my other fish!

And YES - I cycled my tank when I set it up.

Answer 1

at the fish store you can buy a little plastic disk that changes color when your ammonia goes up. It seems expensive but is well worth it because it will warn you before you loose another fish. I have had tanks for 20 years and have had no problem with using products that neutralize ammonia.
Ammonia tends to sink so make sure you are removing water from the bottom of the tank. Also make sure your tank gets air.
Air will help break down the bad stuff, just like waterfalls do in nature.
Over feeding is usually the problem. is your fish eating the food or chasing it mouthing it and spiting it out? if the molly is spitting it out you are over feeding. are you feeding the fish to close to the time it gets dark? Its best to feed the fish earlier then later. A small tank will have more problems with over feeding then a larger one. As the food breaks down it makes ammonia so if you spill to much food in the tank take the time to net it out. The white rocks in your filter are the ones that remove the ammonia.

Answer 2

How did you cycle your tank when you set it up? A tank can't cycle without fish in it.
You need to do a 50% water change, daily if needed, until the ammonia levels drop to zero. Do not feed your fish during the cycling period at all. The food going into the water will only add to the ammonia levels. Don't worry about the fish, they can go up to 2 weeks without food with no harm.

Answer 3

Go to the fish store, they sell filter media that absorbs ammonia from the water, but keep in mind this isn't fixing the problem of why it's happening in the first place. What kind of filter do you use? Are you using de-chlorinator for your water? (might sound like a dumb question but one must ask). You don't ever completely replace or clean all of your filter media do you? If you have done this then that would explain it - the cycle would be destroyed. I am, of course, assuming the tank is filtered in the first place - if not, the problem is obvious.

Answer 4

U can add this product called ACE , it removes ammonia, but u may need to add some healthy bacteria with more nitrifiers in it. Adding some aquarium salt helps also. I use this product called cycle, for the nitrifiers, helps when u do water changes too.The same thing happened to my tank. If your tank appears slightly cloudy u may be overfeeding the fish also which will kill them with the added waste in the water.

Answer 5

how long have you had your tank? your benaficial bacteria could have not formed yet. do another water change right now. around 40% you need to break in your tank eventually your tank will stabalize and you will be fine. dont give up

Answer 6

maby u should consider using a purifyer you know the ones you put on ur sink and when u do your water change use the water from the purifyer also go to ur local fish shop instead of going to a regular pet store they tend to be more knowledgeable about solutions to your type of problem and are more qualifyed to give you proper advice

Answer 7

Test your tap water. Know what you are putting in the tank.

Answer 8

how often you do water changes? are you over feeding them?i don't like to use chemicals in my tank. there might be alot of ammonia from the water you use. you can also add fresh distilled water.