I have done several water changes in the last few day's we have gotten the ammonia down from3.0 down to 0.25 to 0.50, it seems with all the water changes and cleaning we cannot get it down past that. The ph is a little high 7.6 and 8.0 we have fancy goldfish, can anyone help, tried everything except chemicals, really don't want to do that unless we have no alternative.
2007-03-15 09:32:15 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I'm the one with the 55 and 75 gallon with ammonia problems, we have had the 75 gallon tank running now for about 2 1/2 years, no problems until now, with the 55 gal. it is new, we were going to take some of the goldies out of the 75 and transfer them to the other one, but the 55 gal. tank ammonia is really high, even with cleaning and changing the water. However we did take the fluvall pump and put it in the 55 gal. and bought a bi wheel for he 75gl. would that make a difference and would aquarium salt make the ph and ammonia higher. Thanks
2007-03-15 10:30:28 · update #1
I'm the one with the 55 and 75 gallon with ammonia problems, we have had the 75 gallon tank running now for about 2 1/2 years, no problems until now, with the 55 gal. it is new, we were going to take some of the goldies out of the 75 and transfer them to the other one, but the 55 gal. tank ammonia is really high, even with cleaning and changing the water. However we did take the fluvall pump and put it in the 55 gal. and bought a bio wheel pump for he 75gl. would that make a difference and would aquarium salt make the ph and ammonia higher. Thanks
2007-03-15 10:32:06 · update #2
I would keep up with daily water changes, and see about getting a live bacterial culture to jump start the nitorgen cycle.
Something like eco start, or cycle, you can ask at the fish store which bacterial culture is the freshest & which will work best.
A cold water tank for goldfish generally takes between 6-8 weeks to complete the nitrogen cycle, you could raise the temp to speed it up a bit, but I wouldn't go above 75 degrees.
Keep an eye on the ammonia & nitirites, once the ammonia starts to drop then the nitrites start to rise, continue doing daily water changes (25-30 percent) off of the top of the tank untill the ammonia is at zero and the nitrites are at zero.
Once you have accomplished that, then do weekly to bi weekly water changes, by syphoning out the gravel, to keep the nitrAtes under 40 ppm. You are smart to avoid chemicals such as amaquel. These type of products tend to "fix" the nitrogen in the ammonia, and then it isn't broken down into nitrites by the nitrifying bacterial colonies in the tank.
Amaquel is a short term solution for hospital tanks, and small tanks where a completed nitrogen cycle is just not possible to maintain.
2007-03-15 10:46:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if your tank is not yet cycled. Eventually the ammonia will go down as the bacteria begin to grow, but in the mean time you will have to continue the water changes to keep it at a safe level.
The only product I would suggest you use for this is Amquel. It will prevent the ammonia from being so toxic (a real problem at your pH levels) and will also leave the ammonia in a state that will allow the bacteria to feed on the ammonia. Many products do not and that would stop whatever cycle has started in the tank.
It sounds like you are doing the right things, just hang in there with the water changes for a while and eventually you will see the levels drop.
MM
2007-03-15 16:40:47 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been a fish fancier for many years and have never worried about water problems. Our water where I live now is not very good so I use bottled water. Not distilled, but drinking or spring water. The more times you change the water the more problem you can have. Have your filter up and running? This will help a bit. Don't go the chemical route. The goldfish should be fine. They are tuff. How long have you had the tank up and running before you put the fish in? Ya need good bacteria in the water to maintain a balanced tank. Make sure that your tank isn't over crowded with fish. Goldfish need alot of room as the are a big fish. Also take care not to overfeed your fish. Watch as you feed to make sure they are getting most of it with only a small portion going to the bottom. Tho, this shouldn't be a problem with the goldies as they bottom feed also.
2007-03-15 16:49:09 · answer #3 · answered by peach 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Use jungle ACE amoniachloramine eliminator along with Start Right after you change the water. change 1/3 water in tank. These are not chemicals. one eleminates the chemicals in your tank. the other is a protectant- like a coat for their skin.
2007-03-15 19:48:46 · answer #4 · answered by gel2face 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gold fish that's your problem... How many do you have in the tank??? a single gf needs about 15 gallons of water minimum to be healthy.
2007-03-15 16:42:26 · answer #5 · answered by > 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound to me like MM is on the right track - how long have you had this tank set up and running?
Do you use some type of substrate (gravel, sand)? What's your filtration?
2007-03-15 16:49:21 · answer #6 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
change out 10% of the water every week.
2007-03-15 17:29:13 · answer #7 · answered by Kenny N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean the gravel and do a 50% water change.
2007-03-15 16:41:17 · answer #8 · answered by douglas R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take a water sample to a pet store. some pet stores do a water sample to let you know what to do. do not do anymore water changes till you get a water sample tested. pet stores can tell you what to do. you may have to get some chemicals for them. hope it helped good luck
2007-03-15 16:42:35 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is your filtration system adequate? How long ago did you start the tank and add the fish? (It's not still cycling, is it?)
2007-03-15 16:40:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋