My Ammonia Won't Go Down - Even With Water Changes?

[Colin_T]

The good bacteria living in the gravel does help to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. However I assumed we were talking about new uncured or dirty gravel that had been introduced. The dust and sediment (organic contaminants) on the gravel will break down and produce ammonia. If the filters haven't established then you get an ammonia reading from that.

 

[Reeveso]

I did a 20% water change yesterday now I'm going to do a 10% each day. I took another test today before I even did the 10% change and it looks like it's finally starting to turn a tiny bit more yellow.

It was noticeable, but not by a lot.

My fish seems to be swimming around a little more than he was the first 2 days he was in the tank. I'm not sure if this is him just getting used to the tank (he was in a .5 gallon tank now he's in a 30 gallon tank lol) or if he feels healthier.

He's starting to warm up to me too..everytime I go by the tank he comes right up to the glass and stares at me

Next Wednesday if the ammonia levels hit 0 I'm going to buy 2 more fish to put it I think..Probably cory's so he won't fight with them.

Actually while I'm writing this - is it OK to put cory's into a tank that doesn't have any algae yet? I don't think it matters too much and it's more of just something they can do, but I want to make sure.

 

[Colin_T]

Yuo don't want to add any fish for a couple more weeks. Once the ammonia goes down, the nitrite will go up. You must wait until the ammonia and nitrite have both gone up and come back down to 0. Then you can add more fish.

If the fish is looking better it is usually because the water is in better shape, lower ammonia levels.

Corydoras catfish don't normally eat algae. They will pick at bits of it but prefer worms and insect larvae. If you get corys then get some bottom feeding wafers or frozen food for them.

 

[Reeveso]

Yuo don't want to add any fish for a couple more weeks. Once the ammonia goes down, the nitrite will go up. You must wait until the ammonia and nitrite have both gone up and come back down to 0. Then you can add more fish.

If the fish is looking better it is usually because the water is in better shape, lower ammonia levels.

Corydoras catfish don't normally eat algae. They will pick at bits of it but prefer worms and insect larvae. If you get corys then get some bottom feeding wafers or frozen food for them.

Thanks Colin, will do. I'll wait awhile before adding more fish then.