Ammonia Problem

[WillGullion]

In my african cichlid tank, it's a 55 gallon, the ammonia smell is terrible and making the house smell really bad. Ive done water changes at 50% of the water at a time also used ammo lock and prime to help with ammonia levels. I tested the water and ammonia levels are back down to normal but it is still smelling really bad. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[Username.]

What filters do you have and how many fish are in the tank?

 

[convict360]

Assess your stock levels, assess your filtration capacity; please share here.

Assuming both are in order, you're doing the right thing; but if its as bad as you say it is, I'm guessing you're vastly overstocked with inadequate filtration

 

[Username.]

Especially since it is an African cichlid aquarium which typically includes lots of fish which equal lots of waste. Adequate filtration imo should be able to handle 3x the size of the tank.

 

[pops]

depending how long the tank has been setup and being maintained I would agree Colin. stock, tank size and filters you are using how long the tank has been setup, Nitrate readings not just ammonia would help.

 

[DN328]

In my african cichlid tank, it's a 55 gallon, the ammonia smell is terrible and making the house smell really bad. Ive done water changes at 50% of the water at a time also used ammo lock and prime to help with ammonia levels. I tested the water and ammonia levels are back down to normal but it is still smelling really bad. Any suggestions on what to do?

Is you ammonia at 0,.when you say at normal?

 

[pops]

not a bad question, there are no good , or normal ammonia readings except 0. This why i am wondering what nitrate reading are. dealing with a tank that is not cycled?, or under filtered.