29 gallon disaster!

[djprincessx]

:shocked: is how I look right now. Last night for no reason we had a huge ammonia and nitrite spike. No added new fish, no new chemicals added, water change was dine day before andafterwards the levels were fine, and U changed tge filters 3 days ago because they were NASTY! What did I do wrong? I lost a clown loach, 2 gjost catfish, some tetras, an angelfish and maybe my clown pleco and what else I don't know because I'm scared to take everything out and find out because I know I will cry. I think I'll get my fiance to do it if he's feeling nice. But someone help, what would cause this crazy spike? Any suggestions are welcome! I don't want to lose more fishies!

 

[WILDER]

You didn't change all the sponges in the filter did you.

 

[Phantom Thief]

and changed tge filters 3 days ago because they were NASTY!

That's where the problem lies. Changing the filter means that you removed a large amount of bacteria from the tank, thus causing the ammonia and nitrite spikes. Do a large water change ASAP.

P.T.

 

[corykitty516]

You changed your filter media? All of it? That is where the bacteria lives (well a lot of it) so if you replace it all at once you can uncycle your tank.\
I dont replace I rinse in the tank water that I just siphoned out when they get gunky. I do replace the floss every so often but the sponge and biomax stay in.

Keep doing water changes to get your ammonia levels down and wait until the bacteria repopulates.

 

[Sorrell]

Just to clarify a point further, when you rinse the filters out, make sure it is done in old tank water or dechlorinated water. If you run it just uder the tap, the chlorine will kill your bacteria too.

If you do decise to replace you filters do it gradually. Start running a new filter for 3-4 weeks and then remove the old one. If you rinse your filters every few water changes they will last longer and you shouldn't have to replace very often

Definately keep doing water changes until the bacteria recolonizes. See if you can get some established media from a friend or fish store to help your tank re-establish.