Tank ammonia and nitrite problems

alzika · 01/30/2007, 04:44 PM

I tested my water yesterday and ammonia and nitrites was bad. I didn't change anything that would cause this to happen!

My tank had been set up for 2 months and both ammonia and nitrite had tested at 0 three different times I tested. I then added livestock.

Now I'm worried that my 4 fish and shrimp will die. Is there anything I can do? Do local fish stores hold fish for you in events like this until the water quality improves?

everl0ng · 01/30/2007, 04:47 PM

you may have added too many fish too quickly for the bacteria to build up to be able to break all the waste down. patiebce is a virtue in this hobby. i add one fish/month in order to let the tank catch up to the bioload.

BurntOutReefer · 01/30/2007, 04:50 PM

you added too much too quick......good luck...maybe have a friend look after the fish for awhile...

alzika · 01/30/2007, 04:59 PM

I really didn't add the fish too quickly.

The three stripe damsel was added over a month and a half ago. The two clowns were added together 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, I added a small blue tang (I'm upgrading to a 75 gallon and moving him over in about a month).

I don't know anyone who has a saltwater tank who could keep my fish temporarily.

Shino74 · 01/30/2007, 05:13 PM

Hi,
You said Ammonia and Nitrite were both bad! Exact Figures would give us a better idea!
Steve

alzika · 01/30/2007, 05:18 PM

I will post figures when I get home and test again.

I am currently at work...working very hard, as you can see!

BurntOutReefer · 01/30/2007, 05:26 PM

do water changes to keep ammon and nitrite levels diluted...do 20% change maybe every other day....might wanna get Prime or similiar product to get your Nitrosomma bacteria levels up...........

alzika · 01/30/2007, 05:28 PM

Thanks. The water change idea sounds like a good one.

01/30/2007, 04:44 PM	#1
alzika Moved On Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 367	Tank ammonia and nitrite problems I tested my water yesterday and ammonia and nitrites was bad. I didn't change anything that would cause this to happen! My tank had been set up for 2 months and both ammonia and nitrite had tested at 0 three different times I tested. I then added livestock. Now I'm worried that my 4 fish and shrimp will die. Is there anything I can do? Do local fish stores hold fish for you in events like this until the water quality improves?

01/30/2007, 04:47 PM	#2
everl0ng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Lima, OH Posts: 782	you may have added too many fish too quickly for the bacteria to build up to be able to break all the waste down. patiebce is a virtue in this hobby. i add one fish/month in order to let the tank catch up to the bioload. __________________ Nick Kohrn Current Tank Info: Mixed NC24

01/30/2007, 04:50 PM	#3
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	you added too much too quick......good luck...maybe have a friend look after the fish for awhile...

01/30/2007, 04:59 PM	#4
alzika Moved On Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 367	I really didn't add the fish too quickly. The three stripe damsel was added over a month and a half ago. The two clowns were added together 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, I added a small blue tang (I'm upgrading to a 75 gallon and moving him over in about a month). I don't know anyone who has a saltwater tank who could keep my fish temporarily.

01/30/2007, 05:13 PM	#5
Shino74 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 79	Hi, You said Ammonia and Nitrite were both bad! Exact Figures would give us a better idea! Steve

01/30/2007, 05:18 PM	#6
alzika Moved On Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 367	I will post figures when I get home and test again. I am currently at work...working very hard, as you can see!

01/30/2007, 05:26 PM	#7
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	do water changes to keep ammon and nitrite levels diluted...do 20% change maybe every other day....might wanna get Prime or similiar product to get your Nitrosomma bacteria levels up...........

01/30/2007, 05:28 PM	#8
alzika Moved On Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 367	Thanks. The water change idea sounds like a good one.