So I have been cycling a 36 gal. tank for about 12 days with fish. Since then, I have learned I am overstocked and have wrong fish for cycling (4 dwarf gouramis, 5 glofish tetras and 1 peppered cory). Anyhow, I am doing almost daily water changes to accommodate the population. Most of my ammonia readings each day have slowly risen close to 1.0. With each daily reading, I am doing about a 20-25% water change. I am treating each water change with Prime and keeping temps as level as possible. Trying not to overfeed also. However, this morning my ammonia reading soared to a shocking 4.0! Terrified for the fish, I immediately did a 50% water change and treated with Prime. Checked about 7 hours later and levels are still at 2.0. Did another 15% water change and now levels are still about same? What else should I do? I added a little extra Prime since this seemed to be sort of an emergency. Needless to say the fish will be fasting tonight, but not sure if I should do yet another sizable water change again this evening? Would welcome feedback.
Ammonia Spike Question
- Thread starter pbkuhn123
- Start date
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Gibberwatt
Aquarium Advice Freak
The likeliness is that something died in your aquarium (such as a fish, or bug that fell in) and as you changed the water out, the creature kept decomposing and releasing more ammonia into your aquarium.
Otherwise, there could have been a large stockpile of decomposing food collecting under one of your ornaments that you disturbed and mixed with the water.
I would suggest counting your fish, searching for dead bodies, and reducing the amount of feed you give your fish. Or you could treat this as a great opportunity to feed the bacteria, and continue your mega-changes.
Good Luck
Otherwise, there could have been a large stockpile of decomposing food collecting under one of your ornaments that you disturbed and mixed with the water.
I would suggest counting your fish, searching for dead bodies, and reducing the amount of feed you give your fish. Or you could treat this as a great opportunity to feed the bacteria, and continue your mega-changes.
Good Luck
Well all the residents are alive and accounted for. I am guessing the latter you mentioned that perhaps I unearthed a stockpile of old food and waste while cleaning. It's a little lower today, but I will keep up with water changes and watch feedings. Thanks!
