bacteria not in sump

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
most likely scenario is that when "cleaning" your gravel, much trapped waste gets released into the water column, spiking ammonia.
when cleaning substrate, you must be siphoning out water (with all waste) directly above & at the area disturbed. The amount of your beneficial bacteria will not be able to deal with a huge release of bio waste, because the colonies grow to handle what they're usually fed.

Sand is a better substrate than gravel, as it doesn't trap & hide large amounts of waste. Gravel traps a lot and it is breaking down in the gravel, being quite toxic once released.
 
Usually im the first in and last to leave so I dont think there over feeding involved but I am worried that all my bacteria has died off
And Because I try to do water changes daily to keep ammonia down fish have been ok jus over the weekend ammonia seems to creep up a little and unfortunately the fish suffer
I have tested the nitrate and unfortunately seem to be 0
Maybe the tank isnt cycling at all this time
 
bacteria does not just die off in an inhabited tank for no reason. killing it requires that something specifically detrimental happen. Things such as exposure to large amounts of chlorine/chloramine, the filter or sump pump shuts off for a time, or all feeding of the BB is removed/stopped.
There's no die off without a cause.
Extreme excessive waste loads can cause great spikes in readings because, as I said before, the BB population is not grown to that level to handle it. doesn't mean the BB in sump is dead.
 
I do understand that so what would be the best way to tackle the situation at the momement ?
Just water changes until bactera builds up ?
Anything to help build bacteria without ammonia spiking ?
 
first priority: extra water changes to get the toxins out of tank.
you can use use extra Prime if needed, it will neutralize ammonia nitrite & nitrate.
the product SeaChem Stability will hasten the increase of BB in sump/filters/tank. read label carefully, VERY important to shake vigorously.
Most importantly for long term, is to change your gravel cleaning method as these spikes occur after doing that.
If it was me, I would switch gravel out and replace with pool filter sand to eliminate this difficulty.
An alternative to that is to diminish the depth of your gravel to a thin layer, which will lessen the build up of waste and make cleaning it much easier with siphon.
 
I do understand that so what would be the best way to tackle the situation at the momement ?
Just water changes until bactera builds up ?
Anything to help build bacteria without ammonia spiking ?
 
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