Ammonia??

[MeganL3985]

Ahhh I'm getting so frustrated! I was over feeding my fish in the beginning (following my tetramin flake instructions to feed 2 to 3 times daily), but that was a few weeks ago. I cut it down to like once a day and only a couple flakes. Its usually all gone within minutes. My ammonia will not go away! Its like constantly stuck at a .25....even with frequent water changes its always .25. Its frustrating b/c I know the ammonia is bad for the fish, but all these frequent water changes i'm sure is not good for the cycling. I am overstocked a tad, but not horribly. What should I do? Keep doing frequent water changes and wait?

[RobbieG]

Check the water coming out of your tap - sometimes tap water has a little in it.

You can use amquel to keep the ammonia from harming your fish but not ruin your cycle - it locks up the ammonia without removing it - so it is still there for the bacteria to eat.

One thing to keep in mind is that ammonia nuetralized by amquel still shows up as ammonia on most test kits.

[Kuli_Loach]

You just have to let it work it's way out is the only thing I know to do. Mine ran for a week and it won't go out of 0 anymore, no matter how many fish I got. Nitrite is another story.

[MeganL3985]

Can I get the Amquel at Petsmart? I was looking at stuff when I went to walmart today and didn't notice any there. Just those "Clear Tank Buddies" by Jungle Aquarium.

[Kuli_Loach]

I don't like Jungle. Petsmart should have it.

[RobbieG]

We don't have petsmarts here just petcos - I would imagine they have it - it comes in an white bottle with an orange label and black letters (usually right next to novaquel water conditioner - white bottle teal label black letters)

[MeganL3985]

Cool deal, thank you! :)

[RobbieG]

Your welcome - good luck at the store and with your tank

[Mark Lathrop]

I've seen it at one of my local petsmarts, but almost all of them have different stock. I usually have to go to the actual petsmart I purchased things at if I have a return due to the fact that other petsmarts may not have it in stock.

Doesn't Sea-Chem have a product like this as well? I know for sure that most petsmarts have this in stock.

Good luck!

[MeganL3985]

I am such a dork...lol I went to petsmart all excited to buy the stuff and got out there (Its the whole way across town...bout a 20 minute drive) and I realized its Sunday! They were totally closed! I felt like such an idiot. hahaha I guess I can always go tomorrow. :)

[RobbieG]

I hate when I do that!

[MeganL3985]

Okay I got some amquel a little bit ago and put it in the tank. You said it will still read as ammonia though with the tests? I changed some water earlier and put the amquel in with the new water. I'll probably recheck my ammonia tonight to see what its at. I've been testing it every day for probably the past 2 weeks now.

[RobbieG]

The nuetralized ammonia may or may not show up as "live" ammonia on your test kit many do - some don't. Its just important to know so you don't wind up with a 50 / 50 water to amquel mix trying to get the number down:ezpi_wink1:

The amquel works almost instantly so you should get a good reading to go by when you check it.

If it is at 0 right off your test kit is smart enough to tell the difference - if you still get a number your fish will be safe and you just need to start watching for nitrites.

You may need to add a little more every couple of days - you can use it pretty liberally without any ill effects to your fish.

[MeganL3985]

I tested the ammonia and its almost to 0, its got a slight bit of green left in the color. But I dont think thats anything to worry about. Thank you so much for recommending it!

[salman]

I am such a dork...lol I went to petsmart all excited to buy the stuff and got out there (Its the whole way across town...bout a 20 minute drive) and I realized its Sunday! They were totally closed! I felt like such an idiot. hahaha I guess I can always go tomorrow. :)

I hate it when that happens! I was doing the same thing except i was going to buy a new tank, lol more exciting! Mine was a 20 min drive too. When i got there, it was closed :(

[MeganL3985]

Its such a big let down isn't it?! hahaha :)

[RobbieG]

Glad it worked - good luck!