Big water problem

[Psb1968]

Hi all

Had my 20 gallon tank running for 5 years with no issues, done a,water test yesterday and the ammonia was slightly high maybe because my nephew dropped to many small cory pellets in the tank I tried to get as much out as possible,

Done a 20% water change no joy the ammonia got worse and nitrites was high the water smelled odd .

Rang Maidenhead aquatics for advice, done a 50% water change using Seachem prime as usual no joy, brought some quick start and ammonia remover dosed the tank after a 50% water change but fish all at the top so not looking good no deaths yet I have the Fluval u3 filter a air stone .I have a betta 6 female swordtails two balloon mollies 7 corydoras shrimps and assassin snails haven't lost a fish in over a year
I'm at a lose what to do ,any advice would be appreciated
Kind regards
Peter

 

[Naughts]

Do a 75% water change (dechlorinated and temperature matched) every day that ammonia or nitrites are not zero. Add a bit of salt to help the fish with the nitrite poisoning.
It should stabilise again soon.

 

[MaloK]

Also verify if your filter is running well. If it's clogged, just rinse the sponge in tank water enough to restore flow, no more.

 

[Psb1968]

Do a 75% water change (dechlorinated and temperature matched) every day that ammonia or nitrites are not zero. Add a bit of salt to help the fish with the nitrite poisoning.
It should stabilise again soon.

Hi ya thank you do the think the corydoras food spillage was the problem and crashed the bacteria cycle ? I have quick start and ammonia remover and Seachem prime
Thank again
Peter

 

[Psb1968]

Hi ya thank you do the think the corydoras food spillage was the problem and crashed the bacteria cycle ? I have quick start and ammonia remover and Seachem prime
Thank again
Peter

Will the corydoras be OK with the salt ? How much aquarium salt would you recommend ?
Thanks
Peter

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Hello matey, I wouldn't bother with the ammonia remover and quick start personally, the Prime is good though as it temporarily detoxifies the ammonia. So your best bet is to do large water changes with Prime every day as suggested above until the ammonia and nitrite readings measure 0

 

[Psb1968]

Hello matey, I wouldn't bother with the ammonia remover and quick start personally, the Prime is good though as it temporarily detoxifies the ammonia. So your best bet is to do large water changes with Prime every day as suggested above until the ammonia and nitrite readings measure 0

Hi ya
Thank you your advice is much appreciated
Peter

 

[Psb1968]

Hi ya
Thank you your advice is much appreciated
Peter

Also verify if your filter is running well. If it's clogged, just rinse the sponge in tank water enough to restore flow, no more.

I have assassin snails and shrimp so should I avoid the salt ?
Thanks
Peter

 

[Naughts]

Hi ya thank you do the think the corydoras food spillage was the problem and crashed the bacteria cycle ? I have quick start and ammonia remover and Seachem prime
Thank again
Peter

Yes, it is probable that the excess food has upset the cycle, although there could be other causes. The beneficial bacteria are overwhelmed but they are still present which is why it should recover quickly with the large water changes to clean up. If you have gravel, cleaning it well at each water change will be advantageous. Prime is useful, but the other two are probably surplus to requirements.

Will the corydoras be OK with the salt ? How much aquarium salt would you recommend ?
Thanks
Peter

I have used salt with cories, shrimp and snails and have not seen any discernible impact. There are complex formulas depending on nitrite levels to calculate salt dosages but these are beyond most fish keepers. A sprinkle of salt will provide some relief - anything is better than none in cases of nitrite poisoning. Up to one tablespoon per 20 litres will be fine with fish, shrimp, snails and plants on a short term basis.

If it were me I'd do the 1tbsp/20l and steadily dilute it out as soon as the nitrite is consistently dropping. I do not recommend using salt for longer than 2 weeks but report back if you are still having problems then.

 

[Psb1968]

Yes, it is probable that the excess food has upset the cycle, although there could be other causes. The beneficial bacteria are overwhelmed but they are still present which is why it should recover quickly with the large water changes to clean up. If you have gravel, cleaning it well at each water change will be advantageous. Prime is useful, but the other two are probably surplus to requirements.

I have used salt with cories, shrimp and snails and have not seen any discernible impact. There are complex formulas depending on nitrite levels to calculate salt dosages but these are beyond most fish keepers. A sprinkle of salt will provide some relief - anything is better than none in cases of nitrite poisoning. Up to one tablespoon per 20 litres will be fine with fish, shrimp, snails and plants on a short term basis.

If it were me I'd do the 1tbsp/20l and steadily dilute it out as soon as the nitrite is consistently dropping. I do not recommend using salt for longer than 2 weeks but report back if you are still having problems then.

Hi
Thanks I done a 75% water change with Seachem prime yesterday will do the same today I've got the aquarium salt and will put in 4 table spoons and do a water test tomorrow morning and come back on here with the results
Thanks again
Peter