So I started a new 75gal tank 2 weeks ago. I added Tetra SafeStart and followed the instructions closely, and also added AquaStart like the bottle said. I then added cichlids every couple of days to have a mix of 5 SA/CA/African cichlids total. Everything has been fine over the first week or so until I acquired the API Freshwater Test Kit and saw that the ammonia level was really high (4ppm). Needless to say, the damn Seachem Ammonia alert patch that was inside of the tank did not alert me to a damn thing. That patch is now in the trash. Anyway, I immediately went to the store and acquired Prime. I came home, did a water change, and added Prime. I also tried to reduce my feeding to once or twice a day (cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasionally guppies). So I've done about 3 50% water changes over the last few days, adding Prime after each change, and my ammonia level is still 4ppm. To make matters worse, I just diagnosed my fish with ich. So today I began treating with aquarium salt and heating the water to 86-87 degrees. I have a Marineland Canister C360 filter, which is for tanks up to 100gal.
What should I do? I'm thinking that the SafeStart I got from Petsmart did not have viable bacteria? But if that's the case, how come my fish haven't died and seem to be fine (except for the ich, and the fact that they were pretty skittish until I noticed the ammonia spike and did water changes). Should I add another bottle of SafeStart? Or just continue to do water changes + Prime + treat for ich? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
What should I do? I'm thinking that the SafeStart I got from Petsmart did not have viable bacteria? But if that's the case, how come my fish haven't died and seem to be fine (except for the ich, and the fact that they were pretty skittish until I noticed the ammonia spike and did water changes). Should I add another bottle of SafeStart? Or just continue to do water changes + Prime + treat for ich? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
