Ammonia - too many water changes?

[Maz71]

Kept an aquarium years ago, but when I moved new owner took over. Several weeks ago I bought a 7 litre betta haven for one! I kept it for a couple of weeks with just water and bio treatment. Fish shop said water ok so bought fighter. I’ve had him a week and he’s obviously not too well. I’ve bought a water test kit and awful high ammonia reading. Is it ok to do a 10% water change every day. I think there is a slight reduction in reading today. But don’t want to kill him with too many changes. Read up on the damage Amonia does so not optimistic on his survival.

 

[KatyLLL]

You can do a water change many times a day, or continuously. That is what streams do. Beneficial bacteria clings to surfaces, not water, (although it can move through water). Water changes are always good for fish.

 

[earhtmother]

Depending on HOW high the ammonia reading is I'd do 50-75% water change now then another 50% in a day or so until reading is correct

 

[Laser]

A 10% water change won't be enough to remove very much ammonia. You could do a 50% everyday if you wanted to. For the most part I don't believe in too many water changes, but there are exceptions to this.

 

[Autumnsky]

Also check your tap water directly, to see if there is ammonia in it! Not unheard of that the town/city water ends up with ammonia - ewww! But true.