Hello All. I'd like to introduce myself, as I am new to MFK, and this is my first post. I've been lurking for about a week now, and have enjoyed many of the DIY write-ups I've come across.
Now, my problem.
I have what I thought was a well established tank. The tank is a 26 bowfront, and was set up about four years ago, I run a Whisper 30 HOB filter, and I began keeping an assortment of juvenile African Cichlids. Over time, as the fish aged, one Pseudo. Zebra outgrew the rest, and eventually killed off the remaining fish. He has been by himself in the tank for approx. 1.5 years. Lately, I've become more interested in the tank again, and decided that I would like to re-aquascape (kept the existing gravel) the tank and introduce some more fish. Assuming that because the tank had been established for years, the biological filter would be up to the task. DOH!!!!
I added about 12 small (most 1" but some as large as 2") fish.
So, about a week after restocking this tank, I am still battling high ammonia levels (Usually around 1 PPM, but I've measured as high at 2 PPM). Thus far I have not lost a fish, but I am concerned that with the high ammonia levels, I'm right on the verge.
Initially to combat this, I have been performing daily 10% water changes. To make matters worse, two days after introducing the new fish, a storm knocked our power out for approximately 14 hours.
Last night in another attempt to resolve the problem, I added another HOB Whisper 40 filter, which I took from another established tank, from which I recently removed the fish. I re-checked the ammonia levels this morning, and have not seen much improvement.
I've also cut back on feedings to every 3 days.
My question is this: am I on the right track to getting this under control, and can anyone suggest anything else that I might do to bring this under control? How long might it take before I start to see improved levels?
As of right now, my fish have not shown anything that would indicate to me that they are under stress (no darting, clamped fins, red gills, etc.). Thanks in advance for any input!
Now, my problem.
I have what I thought was a well established tank. The tank is a 26 bowfront, and was set up about four years ago, I run a Whisper 30 HOB filter, and I began keeping an assortment of juvenile African Cichlids. Over time, as the fish aged, one Pseudo. Zebra outgrew the rest, and eventually killed off the remaining fish. He has been by himself in the tank for approx. 1.5 years. Lately, I've become more interested in the tank again, and decided that I would like to re-aquascape (kept the existing gravel) the tank and introduce some more fish. Assuming that because the tank had been established for years, the biological filter would be up to the task. DOH!!!!
I added about 12 small (most 1" but some as large as 2") fish.So, about a week after restocking this tank, I am still battling high ammonia levels (Usually around 1 PPM, but I've measured as high at 2 PPM). Thus far I have not lost a fish, but I am concerned that with the high ammonia levels, I'm right on the verge.
Initially to combat this, I have been performing daily 10% water changes. To make matters worse, two days after introducing the new fish, a storm knocked our power out for approximately 14 hours.
Last night in another attempt to resolve the problem, I added another HOB Whisper 40 filter, which I took from another established tank, from which I recently removed the fish. I re-checked the ammonia levels this morning, and have not seen much improvement.
I've also cut back on feedings to every 3 days.
My question is this: am I on the right track to getting this under control, and can anyone suggest anything else that I might do to bring this under control? How long might it take before I start to see improved levels?
As of right now, my fish have not shown anything that would indicate to me that they are under stress (no darting, clamped fins, red gills, etc.). Thanks in advance for any input!
