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That was me! I had to empty everything out and clean it because it was my gravel.

Okay, I’m back! I finally took everything out of my tank. I got all of the toxic substrate out and before adding the new tested it. I washed all of the plants (fake) and structures with hot water and scrubbed them with a new brush. I cleaned out the aquarium itself in the bathtub with hot water...

Okay, I’m back! I finally took everything out of my tank. I got all of the toxic substrate out and before adding the new tested it. I washed all of the plants (fake) and structures with hot water and scrubbed them with a new brush. I cleaned out the aquarium itself in the bathtub with hot water...

So…I did the substrate test. I put some gravel that was left in the original packaging and put it in a cup with tap water for approximately 24 hours. I tested the ammonia and it was off the charts. I’m really really dreading taking everything out and pulling out all the gravel. Is that...

RO filtered water?

So, the plan is… 1. Remove Zeolite 2. Substrate test 3. Frequent water changes Should I be dosing the water with the neutral regulator to manage pH, or is that not a concern at this point?

Okay! Removing it now! Should I get more bacteria to add?

Okay, I’ll do that now. The problem is that the zeolite took the ammonia down from 8ppm to 4ppm. Wouldn’t you say that’s helpful? Also, I just tested everything again. I read the directions for the nitrate and nitrite tests and when done correctly, both are at zero…

Right now, fishless. I forgot to mention I have a zeolite pack in the back of the filter chamber to help reduce the ammonia. I want it to be safe for when I am able to get fish! I seriously can’t thank you enough!

I also just called the water company and they said they don’t add any chloramine to the water

Okay, so I just tested everything for a baseline. pH is at 6.5 Ammonia is at 4 ppm Nitrite is at 0.25 ppm Nitrate is at 0 ppm So the ammonia is much better than it has been. Should I do a partial water change to increase pH?

I did that in a plastic bag! I added the gravel with the tap water and left it for about 3-4 hours and when I tested it the ammonia was at 0.25 ppm. Should I try again and leave it for longer? The gravel is topfin brand.

Oh my goodness that’s so helpful! Where can I get filter material like that though? I’m also testing the ph before and after the neutral regulator. Should I do a partial water change to increase the ph? My fish store has some other sort of bacteria that they store in a cooler/refrigerator...

My ammonia level was as high as it gets! With the API test kit it was reading at 8ppm

The ph level of my tap water is high so I used a product called neutral regulator to bring it down to around 7. I genuinely appreciate all the help! I didn’t understand all of what you said…can someone break it down a little more?

I haven’t added any ammonia. That’s what’s so weird. I’ve been dosing with a product called seed by seachem. The high ammonia is just killing the bacteria. I’ve done partial and full water changes and it still spikes back up. I also tested my tap water and the ammonia level is at zero. I’m...

I’m starting a new tank. It’s been cycling for two weeks now and I still can’t get my ammonia level within a safe range for fish. I’ve added bacteria to start the cycle but the high ammonia is just killing it off. What do I do?