fish killer

[danal]

I've had my tank for about for years(50 gallons). The first 3 years I had no problems! Last year I built a new home in a new area and I also bought a new filter (fluval 303).

Well every since that day every time I add water( I've always used amquel with my water) within 30 to 45 mins. the fish die. The amonia shoots through the roof. At times the water will turn bronze in color but will clear up within a day. I'm not doing anything different than I was in the past. I cleaned the filter once about a year ago which wasn't too smart of me.

So it's either the filter, the areas water system or or lord knows what! Oh ya I have a pleco that's been able to survive, why I don't know.

I'm letting the water go down because I'm afraid to add water. I thinking of adding filtered water.




Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jeffrey]

thats not good, could be something in the water, I'd go and get one of htem huge things of water from the local Sobeys or somewhere.
they are cheap and I think 20gallons or so, so it should last long.

 

[Alia]

If I were you, I'd get my water tested ASAP. If it kills your fish, it can't be good for you either. It shouldn't have ammonia in it.

 

[cometcattle]

I agree with alia, I would look at the fish as canarys in a mineshaft. I might even call Erin Brockovich.

 

[Big_al_d]

Are you adding the water straight from the tap - I always let mine 'age' for 12 hours or so.. usually overnight. But, I agree, you should definately have it tested and if I was you I wouldn't drink it until you know the results!

 

[Alia]

every time I add water( I've always used amquel with my water)

Are you adding the water straight from the tap?

Just noticed it is Amquel you are using as a conditioner. Now I am really perplexed about your ammonia spikes. I do not personally use Amquel (I use a conditioner like AquaSafe or AquaPlus) because I think it is overkill for regular changes, but I know that it is supposed to neutralize the ammonia, as well as the chlorine/chloramine.

If you have your water tested and it looks fine, perhaps it is your Amquel that is tainted . Have you had more than one bottle? For the time being, I would say use bottled water, and forego the Amquel until you are certain of the cause of the ammonia spikes. Losing all your fish every time you do a water change is just not right!

 

[Mesome]

If you are using amqel, the amonia will still show up in the reading, because it is still there. What the amquel does is help make the amonia less harmful. If I were you I would add a conditioner like aqua safe that also helps with the stress coat when doing your water changes, and maybe a little aqua salt. Also, have you tested your tap water before putting it in your tank? Maybe your lfs can test it for you. There may be something wrong there.....

 

[trevray2]

Could it be chlorine in the water?

I would try to let it age for maybe 24 hours before adding it to the tank, that will let the chlorine out of the water.


If u really need a last resort a reverse osmosis system might help, its expensive, but will give u perfect water at the end.

-Trevray2

 

[Mesome]

I looked at my bottle of AmQuel today and I noticed that it says to make sure that circulation/aeration is adequate as it can reduce oxygen levels in the water during the first hour of use. Also, why do you use that when you do your water change? I may be wrong (it has happened once or twice ) but if you are removing amonia and nitrites, aren't you taking away food for your bacteria colonies?

 

[Nidge]

Erin Brockovich................