ammonia level

[mjolenhouse]

How high do the ammonia levels before i really need to worry about the fish. I am cycling a tank with some white clouds and silver tipped tetra in a 46 gallon tank and the ammonia levels appear to be between .5 and 1. Should i be worried

 

[ste2k3]

you don't need to cycle the tank with any fish in it!. I would get these fish out ASAP. the tank will cycle on its own. AMMONIA IN ANY LEVEL IS TOXIC!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

The real answer is none. Fish are very sensitive to ammonia, and even the smallest ammounts will affect the fish, whether you see it or not it is even now affecting their gills and mucus coating. As the ammonia rises the effects become more obvious and noticable.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

the tank will cycle on its own

No it won't, it needs a source of ammonia.

Fishless cycling, using pure ammonia, is the best route to go when cycling a tank.

 

[FanOFish]

Go to your local pet store and buy an amonia indicator made by Seachem I believe. It attaches via suction cup to the inside of your tank and will monitor your ammonia and let you know if it's safe or not.

Hopefully you only have a few of those fish you mentioned and continue to take it slow. They will most likely do ok as long as you don't add too many fish.

Like the other posts said fishless cycling is the best....well it's not the only method so don't get freaked out.

 

[mjolenhouse]

I just changed the water i know this will lower it. How often can i change it to keep the levels lower.