New Setup Gone Bad

[lmpb17]

Okay this is really weird... I basically completely started my 20 gal from scratch...added new play sand(which i soaked as per the instructions found in one of the stickies on this site) and put in the decorations from my old tank (after they were all thoroughly washed in 10% bleach solution and then rinsed in water). Now the problem Im having is that my ammonia levels are off the charts (I havent added any ammonia) and my pH is 8.2. My tap water contains 0 ammonia and the pH is 7.2.. What should I do to fix this? What could be causing this? How can I single out the cause?

 

[Amunet]

That's pretty strange that there would be ammonia in the water w/ you not adding any. Maybe it's a faulty test?

 

[Colin_T]

there was probably some organic matter in the sand which is breaking down producing the ammonia. Just allow the tank t run and it will cycle and get rid of the ammonia that wya. Otherwise drain the tank and refill it.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

could be either of the things above, can you confirm what sort of test kit your using (paper strips or liquid tests) and what exact readings you get for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

if you're intending to do a fishless cycle then I wouldn't worry too much over it, just do some water changes (if necessary) to reduce the ammonia to 5ppm then just follow the fishless cycling instructions.