Stingray & Ammonia Troubles (Pt 2 )

[Pitty27]

Alright so it's been a couple months since I first posted this issue. I'm still having trouble with my ammonia levels, and I feel like my little Otter (7-month old stingray) might be rolling into some trouble.

Recap/Update:

125gl lightly planted tank with 45gl sump. Socks on two outlets changed bi-weekly, lava rock to the brim (in & out of water), filter padding in another chamber changed bi-weekly.

Parameters are staying at; Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 5, pH 7.5 Temp: 78-80 F

25% water changes are done every three days. Vanish is my dechorinator, beneficial bacteria is added with every water change (to try and combat the ammonia)

Feeding - Raw seafood mixture (shrimp, clam, muscle, etc) once a day. Water is turned off for 30 minutes for feeding time. Extra food is removed.

Pond Aerator with two large air stones.

Tank Stock - 4 silver-dollar sized discus
1 five inch red-shoulder severum
1 three inch Raphael catfish
1 six inch red-spotted dollar
1 7-month old hybrid sting ray baby, seven inches long. (Her name is Otter.)

Persisting Problem - Ammonia is not changing. Everyone, including Otter, is still eating. Swimming around just fine. Discus, Dollar and Severum have all of their fins. No spots, no lesions, everyone looks perfect.
BUT.
I noticed the other day, Otter is starting to hover at the top, bobbing in and out of the water. She does this often, but usually will swim and glide around after a couple bobs. She spent about forty-five minutes bobbing in this one open part of the tank. She has a red ring around her belly forming a full circle on her disc and feet. It seems most prominent on her feet. It looks like irritation but I'm not sure from what weather the ammonia is starting to take it's toll or the sand may be bothering her. Otter is still very active as much as she was when I first got her in May, and eats very well still.

I don't know what else I can do. Otter is very precious to me I want to help this situation as much as I can. I am willing to try anything in my power, and appreciate any ideas or info.

 

[kno4te]

If u can’t upgrade ur filtration and/or tank size, keep healthy fish or maintain pristine water parameters then consider selling/donating the ray.

 

[philipraposo1982]

How deep in the substrate?

Poke around and see if sulfer smells arrives

 

[Pitty27]

How deep in the substrate?

Poke around and see if sulfer smells arrives

Substrate is constantly moving from the current, the deepest part may be two-two and a half inches. It will not stay that way for more than a day or two as it slowly progresses elsewhere.

 

[Pitty27]

If u can’t upgrade ur filtration and/or tank size, keep healthy fish or maintain pristine water parameters then consider selling/donating the ray.

From what I have been told, my filtration should be more than adequate for a baby ray right now, what upgrading options would be possible?

 

[spotfin]

What are you using for test kits? And have you tried different test kits or had your lfs test your water? After several months there should be a nitrate reading, and nitrite if your tank is not cycled.
I would also remove some of your sand as it may be too deep in areas.
The red you describe on the underside of the ray may be normal. Young rays typically have this, but a picture would be helpful.

 

[Pitty27]

What are you using for test kits? And have you tried different test kits or had your lfs test your water? After several months there should be a nitrate reading, and nitrite if your tank is not cycled.
I would also remove some of your sand as it may be too deep in areas.
The red you describe on the underside of the ray may be normal. You rays typically have this, but a picture would be helpful.

I am using the API master test kit. I'm particular to chemical testing than to the strip testing. I have not tried other testing methods. My sand is thinly layered across the tank, but does move in the current. The deepest part would be about two and a half inches for several hours and then progresses elsewhere. The only reason I am concerned about the red is because she did not have that before. I've seen it happen once, and it went away. Now it's lingering. I can upload a recent picture later tonight.

 

[kno4te]

From what I have been told, my filtration should be more than adequate for a baby ray right now, what upgrading options would be possible?

This happened to another ray keeper not too Iong ago with a bigger tank. I think it would be w/o the other fish. It’s just as ur ray grows it’ll put out so more waste. The only thing to add would be a drip, k1 media and more water (larger tank). See what the other members say. Best of luck.

 

[krabbo008]

I would change filter socks out every 3rd day. Remove sand completely. Test tap water for ammonia, if that checks out I would be doing 80% changes Daily. Move some of the lava rock around in your sump and look for waste built up. I would also add some airstones within the lava rock and think of getting some better media.

 

[viper0397]

This happened to another ray keeper not too Iong ago with a bigger tank. I think it would be w/o the other fish. It’s just as ur ray grows it’ll put out so more waste. The only thing to add would be a drip, k1 media and more water (larger tank). See what the other members say. Best of luck.

The other ray keeper was me. I had to modify my sump. I also added a ton of biomedia.