I know when people talk about ammonia people always say to do water changes. That takes out all the good bacteria though and i really dont want to do that. I have some algae starting to grow in my tank and i read somewhere that algae will actually eat the ammonia bactera. i was wondering if this is true? I do not want to put any chemicals to get rid of the ammonia so if anyone has any ideas advice or anything it would be appreciated. thank you
Ammonia level questions
- Thread starter Vilardz3190
- Start date
There should be NO ammonia reading in a tank with fish.
Water changes do not take out all the good bacteria.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your particular tank setup?
Water changes do not take out all the good bacteria.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your particular tank setup?
its a 30 gallon with 6 fish in it, there all pretty small for now 6 inches and under. I have a red sevrum, green terror, florida gar, jack demp, poly senegal and a synspilum. I have a 45-70 gallon filter because i know for the most part my gar and terror are pretty dirty eaters. i have a few rocks and a piece of driftwood for territorial reasons. I have some algae growing and i was wondering if that will get rid of some of the ammonia? Thanks
P.s I know people may say that i have to many fish but im upgrading in a short time according the the gars growth.
P.s I know people may say that i have to many fish but im upgrading in a short time according the the gars growth.
I would suggest increasing your water changes to help alleviate the ammonia due to the quantity/size of the fish you have in there now.
How long have you had this tank setup?
What brand/model/type of filter do you have?
How long have you had this tank setup?
What brand/model/type of filter do you have?
ive had the tank set up for about 2 1/2- 3 months now. i orginally had a 30 gallon filter on it, which mysterously died a few days ago. but i bought a new one and its tetra whisper ex70 45-70 gallon. i bought one that strong so when i upgrade to a newer tank i dont have to buy a new filter.
I'm with Deeda, more info is needed to really help you.
If this is a fresh cycle/start-up, you'll prolly end up with huge spikes in ammonia and most likely lose some of your stock.
Other questions range from, what testing kit are you using to test your tank? Test strips are junk right out of the package (most chain stores use them).
What are your other readings? Nitrite, Nitrate, PH.
As for your question, no, the algae is not going to help you in the way your talking but it is one reason algae is growing to begin with. Large amounts of algae can be very beneficial tho.
If this is a fresh cycle/start-up, you'll prolly end up with huge spikes in ammonia and most likely lose some of your stock.
Other questions range from, what testing kit are you using to test your tank? Test strips are junk right out of the package (most chain stores use them).
What are your other readings? Nitrite, Nitrate, PH.
As for your question, no, the algae is not going to help you in the way your talking but it is one reason algae is growing to begin with. Large amounts of algae can be very beneficial tho.
I use the API test kit my ammonia was between 2-4. my ph level is between 7-7.5. Nitrite between 0-.25 and nitrate is close to 0.
I'm assumeing when your old filter died on you you just tossed it out and put a new filter on it... your filter is where all your bacteria are.. not your water. Your tank is insanely overstocked, and some of your fish will likely end up killing others. But to address your problem atm.
50% WC's daily for the next 2 weeks Min....
Algae utilize Nitrates not ammonia... Ammonia is toxic to your fish, and even more so Nitrites are.
Keep your ammonia below 4ppm and your nitrites non-existant if possible. Ammonia exceeding levels of 4 will inhibit bacteria growth and often times also kill it. ( may need ot double check that number or someone else might pipe up if it's wrong.. it's late 'n I'm tired. lol)
With that heavy of stocking you'll likely need to do 50% WC's every other day or so after the tank has been filtered to maintain Nitrate levels in acceptable ranges. This will inhibit Algae growth and keep your fish healthy until you can get them a larger tank or re-home a few.
I would not worry about your PH at this point or likely ever as long as it's consistant.
I would seriously consider getting Stability or another form of Bacteria in a bottle. Personally not my thing but many swear by it, and your fish will liekly die if you don't take swift aggressive action in getting your water in check, and keeping it in check.
50% WC's daily for the next 2 weeks Min....
Algae utilize Nitrates not ammonia... Ammonia is toxic to your fish, and even more so Nitrites are.
Keep your ammonia below 4ppm and your nitrites non-existant if possible. Ammonia exceeding levels of 4 will inhibit bacteria growth and often times also kill it. ( may need ot double check that number or someone else might pipe up if it's wrong.. it's late 'n I'm tired. lol)
With that heavy of stocking you'll likely need to do 50% WC's every other day or so after the tank has been filtered to maintain Nitrate levels in acceptable ranges. This will inhibit Algae growth and keep your fish healthy until you can get them a larger tank or re-home a few.
I would not worry about your PH at this point or likely ever as long as it's consistant.
I would seriously consider getting Stability or another form of Bacteria in a bottle. Personally not my thing but many swear by it, and your fish will liekly die if you don't take swift aggressive action in getting your water in check, and keeping it in check.
Good advice stated above. You should have saved the filter pad from your other filter, that was where all the good bacteria were. You threw them all away. Now you have to cycle all over again.
You can fix that, but it'll take some time. I would suggest using stability as well.
It will help.
Also, I wouldn't upgrade according to the Gar's size as the only measurement. I would also look at your nitrates right before each water change you do (if you do weekly, this would be every week right before). If your nitrates are exceeding 40 in a week's time, then you need to think about upgrading SOON if not immediately depending on how high they are. Otherwise you'll be okay until this happens (pending the growth of the fish as the other factor).
You can fix that, but it'll take some time. I would suggest using stability as well.
It will help.
Also, I wouldn't upgrade according to the Gar's size as the only measurement. I would also look at your nitrates right before each water change you do (if you do weekly, this would be every week right before). If your nitrates are exceeding 40 in a week's time, then you need to think about upgrading SOON if not immediately depending on how high they are. Otherwise you'll be okay until this happens (pending the growth of the fish as the other factor).