high ammonia in my tank, i need some advice?

Question

i have a 75 gallon tank with 6 large goldfish,2 african dwarf frogs,2 small suncats aprox 6 inches long ,i had a good amount of live plants in the tank . my filter clogged on some of the plant waste .my water began to cloud requiring me to clean the foam block,i tested the water when i saw the smaller suncat appeared to have hazy skin color,he now seems to be peeling,with 1 reddish sore on its back he eats fine and seems fine other than scrapping the rocks. by the way the ammonia level spiked to 8.0(ouch)
i did a 20 gallon water swap and treated with amquel+ the level is now down to 1.5 does it seem that the fish has amonnia burns or could that be something else since no other fish have any signs. i will do 10 more gallons today and retest

2 of my gold fish have gotten very big 6 inches long. and i removed the live plants

Answer 1

Well, first your tank is incredibly overcrowded, which is probably why your ammonia level is so high. Goldfish need a minimum of 20 gallons per fish, and even then they will quickly outgrow that size tank. They are huge waste producers, which I'm sure you know, and it takes a huge amount of work to keep them in healthy living conditions. So, your tank is much too small for the amount of fish you have in there. The ammonia burns (that is what they are) are a testament to this.

You don't have a choice but to remove some of your fish. 50-75% water changes will help keep the ammonia levels at a more reasonable level until you are able to do this.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this. Good luck.

Answer 2

I would suggest a bit more than a 10 gallon water change, I would go for 25 gallons or more as it will just continue to rise for another few days. Amquel is good for this temporary filter glitch type of situation. It will detoxify the ammonia, but the cycle bacteria can still use it... a very good thing. No doubt the spike won't last but a few days and all will be back to normal.

I agree that it sounds like an ammonia burn. Some fish are just more sensitive than others. Count it a blessing that no more were affected.

MM

Answer 3

you're proceeding wisely. The fish shop female may well be spectacular if there have been no fish in the tank, or in case you probably did no longer care if the fish died. they're going to die of ammonia if it gets too intense. do exactly water alterations, however. leave the gravel and the filter out on my own for the main section. The micro organism isn't in the water, that's starting to be on surfaces. Diluting the ammonia with water alterations is nice. LEaving the filter out and gravel on my own is likewise good, to help the micro organism lifestyle. yet another tip: cut back feeding. it could help shop the ammonia slightly extra practicable.

Answer 4

I don't think you need any advice at all. Seems that you're doing absolutely great all on your own. From 8.0 to 1.5? Good job! Your cat will heal great with that kind of care. Btw... and this is my thing, 6 large goldies and two 6 inch cats is really in the overstocking category...but, I suppose if you keep the water quality as good as you are, it's okay in that respect... but then there is the stunting issue. Anyway, good job at taking care of your ammonia spike!

Answer 5

as much as you hate to hear it...Audrey is right...and you didnt say hopw large the goldfish are. Ignore the aquarium salt idea, you have suncats which have skin and not scales...also none of the fish are brakish water fish and salt is not good for live plants in an aqaurium. I would do another 50 percent change and think about rehomeinmg some of your goldfish. Shaz

Answer 6

Look at your fish, if they have whitish warn out bodies, peeling skin, or sore spots, or blackish marks they definetly have amonia burn. Since your amonia spiked to 8.0 i suggest moving your fish to a mature tank and let them heal to your old tank returns to 0 amonia.

Answer 7

water changes is just about all you can do.. in a situation like this, i personally would do a complete tank change and cleaning, but only if you have a bio filter that is holding the beneficial bacteria in it.. i know its drastic, but ive done it before without having any problems

another option is to add some salt to your tank.. you can put up to 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon into your freshwater tank without it causing the fish any harm.. this will help to reduce all the crap in your aquarium, and should also help your affected fish

good luck

Answer 8

The only thing you can do to get ammonia down is water changes. 50% probably.