Hello Fello tropical fish Enthusiasts,
I'm returning to keeping tropical fish after a long time away. I've started a 10 gallon tank in my daughters' room and went through the process for setting up the tank properly. 20 gal filter, heater (78deg), plastic plants, bubble wand and one bubble rock. The tank has been operational for 8 weeks but I have consistantly had trouble keeping the amonia levels down.
The last 2 weeks I've tried partial water changes and gravel vacuuming but have yet to notice a real drop in Amonia level. I've tested my tap water and have even used spring water during some of my changes. My PH and Nitrite levels are with in safe tolerances. I use Aquarium Pharmicuticals to test my water I feed once during the morning. I currently have the following fish:
- 4 red eyed tetras
- 2 black mollies
- 1 red swordtail
- 3 tiny neons
- and one bottom feeder common variety (non albino)
These fish were added at a rate of about 2-3 per week when my amonia levels were low. The fish themselves appear healthy and I have yet to loose any. I've notice no symptoms of amonia poisoning but am concerned about the continous 5.0 ppm readings I've been getting.
As of late I did a 2 1/2 gallon gravel filter water change with spring water and have started using "Algone" to help with the Amonia....I also have ammo lock. This morning a cloud bloom appeared in the tank which I think is a fuction of the tank finally cycling properly.
1. Should I give the tank a day or two and then test the amonia levels?
2. If the amonia reads high what should i do??
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated....
email: hmb1959@msn.com
I'm returning to keeping tropical fish after a long time away. I've started a 10 gallon tank in my daughters' room and went through the process for setting up the tank properly. 20 gal filter, heater (78deg), plastic plants, bubble wand and one bubble rock. The tank has been operational for 8 weeks but I have consistantly had trouble keeping the amonia levels down.
The last 2 weeks I've tried partial water changes and gravel vacuuming but have yet to notice a real drop in Amonia level. I've tested my tap water and have even used spring water during some of my changes. My PH and Nitrite levels are with in safe tolerances. I use Aquarium Pharmicuticals to test my water I feed once during the morning. I currently have the following fish:
- 4 red eyed tetras
- 2 black mollies
- 1 red swordtail
- 3 tiny neons
- and one bottom feeder common variety (non albino)
These fish were added at a rate of about 2-3 per week when my amonia levels were low. The fish themselves appear healthy and I have yet to loose any. I've notice no symptoms of amonia poisoning but am concerned about the continous 5.0 ppm readings I've been getting.
As of late I did a 2 1/2 gallon gravel filter water change with spring water and have started using "Algone" to help with the Amonia....I also have ammo lock. This morning a cloud bloom appeared in the tank which I think is a fuction of the tank finally cycling properly.
1. Should I give the tank a day or two and then test the amonia levels?
2. If the amonia reads high what should i do??
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated....
email: hmb1959@msn.com
