Ammonia Levels..

[CBTF]

I brought my water to be tested at the lfs. He didnt give me levels but said I had toxic amounts of ammonia in my tank.

To prevent further fish loss I vacuumed my gravel and did a 50% water change (too much I know.) I added ammo lock and cycle to the water.

My fish still look quite ill. Can I do anything to lower the levels more? I have fasted them one day and have barely given any food in 2 days. He told me it would take 7-10 days for the levels to clear, but I dont think my cory can do that many more. Advice appreciated.

 

[Tolak]

Ammolock changes ammonia to ammonium, a substance non-toxic to fish, but still available for your nitrifying bacteria to use. 50% water change for elevated ammo levels is fine, I normally do that weekly on all my tanks.

If the tank is cycling, I would be more worried about nitrites at this point, they are the next to appear, and can also be rough on fish. Additional aeration & surface movement helps with this.

I would continue with 50% w.c. daily, and ask the lfs who did the test what number represents toxic.

 

[CBTF]

He used a set that appeared to be color based, not numerical (the ammonia test showed it was high by the water turning dark green.) Perhaps there are numbers..

Anyhow.. Thank you for the tips. I am unsure how I can add my air pump, as it'll toss my betta around. I suppose i'll have to wait and see. I can't add more ammo lock. Waiting game, I assume. How long will this take generally? Was his7-10 days estimate right?

The tank WAS established, I must have done something.

 

[Tolak]

Every test I have seen has a number that corresponds to the color. Time for the cycling chart;

If you have a hob filter, you can drop your water level an inch or so to increase surface movement. This will give you more aeration.