I've had my 55 gallon for 2 years. It's planted and massively under stocked (4 neon tetras, 4 oto) with a canister filter. Levels are always perfect as a result which allowed me to get sloppy I'm afraid.
Went out of town so put in 2 feeding blocks. One for the otos and one for the tetras. When I got home the tetra block was still huge- I kept meaning to take it out but I as a bit lazy about it -totally forgetting that rotting food is not a good idea because I'm just so used to east water levels.
Tested the water yesterday API kit
Ph 7
Ammonia 1-2ppm (on the fence about color)
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5
I immediately added prime and did a 75% water change but the levels havent budged today, if anything they look closer to 4ppm.
I know prime only binds and doesn't remove and that sometimes waterchanges can inadvertently raise the ammonia levels so I'm just not sure what to do.
More water changes ?
Keep dosing with prime and give it a few days?
Advice appreciated. Feeling pretty guilty and annoyed at myself for dropping the ball.
Thanks!
Went out of town so put in 2 feeding blocks. One for the otos and one for the tetras. When I got home the tetra block was still huge- I kept meaning to take it out but I as a bit lazy about it -totally forgetting that rotting food is not a good idea because I'm just so used to east water levels.
Tested the water yesterday API kit
Ph 7
Ammonia 1-2ppm (on the fence about color)
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5
I immediately added prime and did a 75% water change but the levels havent budged today, if anything they look closer to 4ppm.
I know prime only binds and doesn't remove and that sometimes waterchanges can inadvertently raise the ammonia levels so I'm just not sure what to do.
More water changes ?
Keep dosing with prime and give it a few days?
Advice appreciated. Feeling pretty guilty and annoyed at myself for dropping the ball.
Thanks!