need some serious help

[MyChondo]

I have a 9 week old saltwater tank. 100gallon, sump filter underneath, protein skimmer running in sump, 4 fish, blue lights run 8-10am, white lights run 10-6pm, then blue lights 6-9. Ocean reef salt, and was using a product called Stability, and live sand. For the last 2 weeks, my ammonia started rising to 1, and for the last 2 days has been at 4. I've have done a 30 gal water change 4 times in 1 1/2 wks trying to lower it, but it just keeps rising. I got 25 obs of live rock 2 days ago and put in the sump (possible die off?) and did a water change but it is still at 4. All other readings are normal. What do I do? Only one fish has died, and there are 5 hermit crabs in there alive. Nothing is dead in the tank, and I feed lightly every second day. Nothing stays uneaten I can see. I'm lost. HELP!!!

 

[Hara]

It sounds to me as if your tank has not been through the cycling process yet. Here are a couple of short articles on the topic.
http://www.fantasyreef.com/showthread.php?t=476
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

 

[Devilishturtles]

Sounds like it's die off from the liverock. Any chance you can take it out and put it in a rubbermaid, plastic trashcan, etc. with a powerhead until it cures?

Die off does create ammonia, which is usually why it's advisable to either buy all liverock before you add fish, or cure it seperatly in a different container.

Hope this helps, welcome to AA.

 

[melosu58]

I also believe that you did not go through your cycle yet. High ammonia will be first sign that it`s starting.