High Ammonia

[griff5499]

I am having a tough time getting my ammonia down. I have done several partial water changes, bringing the ammonia to .50. The next day it is back to 1.0. Does anyone suggest I use ammo-carb or something to lower ammonia? I am also using Prime in my water changes. I appreciate your help!

 

[griff5499]

Also, my nitrates are 0 as are my nitrites

 

[anibis]

What size aquarium/what do you have stocked in it?

The only way to get your ammonia down is to keep doing water changes. If your aquarium is fully stocked, or close to it, your ammonia levels will rise very quickly, which means lots of pwc's. This is why it is recommended to start with a very light stock until your aquarium cycles.

Prime binds ammonia/nitrite so it doesn't harm the fish as much, but the beneficial bacteria you are trying to grow can still feed off it. I believe ammo-carb flat out removes it from the water, so the bacteria can't feed off it. This may stall your cycle.

 

[griff5499]

It is a 36 gal and I have two platies, two mollies and 10 neon tetras and a pleco