Ammonia Levels

[jk623]

I have a 36 gallon aquarium with an Aqueon power filter 30 (200gph). I just completed the fish-in cycle a week ago using 2 zebra danios (new to aquariums and did not know about fishless unfortunately). The cycling took about 7 weeks. My ammonia lvls spiked then settled to zero, nitrites spiked and settled at zero. I tested 4 days straight and got zero for ammonia and nitrite. I had around 20 ppm nitrate. I added 4 zebra danios to my tank after that and everyday since then I have been getting a trace of ammonia (below .25). Is that normal? I havent done a water change yet and the ammonia lvls havent risen any higher than that.

 

[steez]

I think that you may just not have enough BB established from the cycle to kill the current bio loads toxins. Do a water change and test water daily. Repeat water changes as needed, hopefully you will develop more BB and the water changes will be less frequent.

 

[jcolon]

An ammo spike can happen after you add stock soon after you just finish cycling. In your case it's a mini cycle, remember you started with just two zebra danios which Don't have a large bio-load to begin with. BB responds to bio-load
So only enough will establish to handle the current ammo levels.
When you added 4 more, you more than doubled the bio-load
So now more bacteria has to establish. Keep up on PWC's and testing, should work itself out soon.

 

[senemedar]

Had the similar problem. After completing the cycle with two neon tetras I went head-on and added six more fishes-- and everything except PH went way off the chart for over three weeks! I guess thats what's coming as a part of experience gathering process
I was changing the water every other day until everything set back to normal. Luckily all the fishes survived except one, but she committed suicide so I think that doesn't count...

 

[jk623]

Thank you ALL for the help!!!! I will continue testing daily and do pwc's as needed.

Senemedar-Lol...luckily only a trace of ammonia is found in my tank! We have definitely learned not to add too many at once haha!!

 

[senemedar]

Patience is virtue, as someone smart said the other day and my fishes had to learn the hard-way