new tank ammonia nightmare

[Cbekker]

Hi all,

First post on new tank

150litres
Aqua one 1000 canister
7.5 ph
Nh3 0.02
Nh4 60 plus and climbing
Nitrites 2-5ppm
Nitrates 10 - 20ppm
Mangrove roots x2 tannin leaching is very slight
Tank clean and clear.
Zero fish as yet

I have done a 100 litre water change which reduced Nh4 from 41 to 34
I cleaned tank removing all debris.

I am stumped as to why the Nh4 just climbs....

I am running a sense and I am using an api test kit.

Can anybody give me some insight please?

Craig

 

[Cbekker]

Seneye reef not a sense. (thanks auto correct)

 

[Cbekker]

Ok I plan to pull the woods and gravel vacume.
I'll top up the water and see what happens...

 

[Fishperson]

sorry, i get confused with the chemical names, if nh3 is ammonia, what is nh4?
have you cycled the tank yet?

 

[Cbekker]

Ammonia =
Free ammonia Nh3 bad for fish
Ammonium Nh4 not
Depending on temp and ph an equilibrium is maintained

Logic for me says total ammonia = Nh3 + nh4.

Not cycled Nh3 0.01 and Nh4 above 70ppm and climbing.

Another water change tonight and possibly a gravel removal and wash.
Last option empty and wash everything with a fresh start.

 

[Cbekker]

Something on my wood. Tank ok