Ammonia absorbers

[nomaddan]

I found a product by Pro-V that claims to absorb waste in the form of crystals that look like gravel. My ammonia is pretty high and I was wondering if I should try this stuff. If I used it I would probably hang it from something instead of mixing it with my gravel. Would that matter. It says to change it after 30 days and I can't change my gravel.

Thanks

 

[freshmike]

Personally I would look into getting a better filter instead of using a remedy such as that.....more filter media mean more bacteria, which of course means better ammonia handling. Sounds like if you are having problems with ammonia, that you either are not changing your water enough, or enough of it, or you just don't have the filtering capacity that you need.

HTH.

Chris.

 

[FishDan]

I agree. Either a better filter or better maintenance, whichever is called for. I keep a similar product but have yet to use it. Primarily I keep it for emergency use only, as I don't want to rely on chemicals/addatives any more than I need to. This type of product is really oly for emergency use IMO, not regular use. Find what is causing the high ammonia and try to remedy that without adding anything "extra". That's what I would do anyhow.

\Dan

 

[sylvia]

Most of these products will release whatever they have absorbed after a certain period of time. They are ok for short-term use but, if you forget to change it or can't, you'll have serious problems. Also, by removing ammonia, this hinders your tanks beneficial bacteria and the tank will never cycle. Better filtration and fewer fish (and patience) are much more reliable. If this is your 20 gallon tank with 4 piranhas and 3 plecos, I'm not surprised you're having problems with ammonia. Those are very messy fish.

 

[nomaddan]

Thanks!

If I use this stuff it will only be for a short period, to help drop my ammonia. It is coming down w/o it so I think it wont be needed.