Cleaning the tank - next day my ammonia rises (mini-cycle)

[Bubble_B0y]

Can someone tell me how to clean the tank properly.

Because everytime I clean the tank - I test the water the next day and there is ammonia.
I have to go thru a mini-cycle (ammonia disappears after 48hours).

What am I doing wrong?
Am I cleaning too much and too thoroughly??



When I do my weekly water changes - I change 25% of the water and vacuum the gravel at the same time.
Then I squeeze and shake the filter sponge in the dirty water.

Am I doing something wrong?
Am I cleaning too much?

 

[Guest]

i have a similar problem. all i can come up with theory wise is that vacuuming the gravel releases pockets of ammonia from waste that has settled in air pockets in the substrate.

i just tough it out, and do a second water change without vacuuming the gravel if it gets too out of control.

 

[Bhunsucker]

What size of tank do you have? What kind of filter is on the tank? I would only vac half one side of the tank each week and would only clean the filter out in old tank water as needed you shouldnt need to do that more than once a month.

 

[joannde]

How high does the ammonia get after your water change ? Have you tested your tap water for ammonia ? What brand of dechlorinator are you using ?