URGENT HELP HIGH AMMONIA!!!!!!!

[bethie_dawn]

I tested my tank and the ammonia is 6.0 danger on the stick, it was even darker so who knows how high it is. I then tested the tap water fresh and it was 6.0 danger also. Then I tested my well water fresh and it was between the 3.0 harmful and 6.0 danger range color.
Then I though it maybe the strips so I tested a bottle of Dasani water and it was .25 safe. What do I do to keep my fish from dying?

 

[DeLgAdO]

i think your test kit sucks

 

[bethie_dawn]

You think so I hope that is all it is. Its jungle quick dip ammonia test strips. That was the only thing that wal-mart had.

 

[Danh]

I think if you add some more carbon to your filter that might help.. or at least calm your fears if there isn't really a problem and its your strips.

 

[Danh]

wait... you're the one that is cycling the tank, right? Thats what it is going to do. Do you have any other thank that you put the fish in?

 

[rumblesushi]

there's no way water out the tap has 3 to 6 ammonia, your test kit sucks like del said.

 

[stotty]

DID YOU KNOW

Be aware that most waterworks in the US now sanitize tap water with chloramine, which is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia


Ammonia enters water from fertilizer runoff, leaching septic tanks, and erosion of natural deposits; it is also used as disinfectant and in numerous industrial processes.


BUT

in a mature tank, there are usually enough ammonia-converting bacteria. When the tank is cycled and a water change is carried out regularily it should keep it in cheque

 

[rallysman]

Its still cycling probably. Carbon wont help. The carbon may remove the smell if there is any but wont speed up the cycling process.
Go to a trusted fish store and ask them for some "sludge" that you can put in your filter. That may help speed up the process.

 

[Bassman89]

i think you have a crappy test kit...but water changes and ammonia drops

 

[BiG~O]

do yourself a favor and purchase a decent kit that tests for ph ammonia nitrates and nitrites. you may spend 40 bucks but you will have a way better idea of what your water quality is really like. Ditch those crappy test strips and chalk it up as a loss.Test weekly, and keep a log. Your fish-keeping skills will grow(and your fish will thank you)