Ammonia/nitrite Up? Trying Not To Freak...please Help

[ohiorn67]

HI, at this point was in shock when I did my water tests today. PH/ALK fine....
Ammonia was .25 and Nitrites were .5 (think that is right)...Nitrates still 0 or just a touch....we added a bicolor blenny, a yellow leather coral, a very small bunch of zoos and a tiny frag of a toadstool. I figured we might get the normal touch of ammonia but barely present just while the bioload was adjusting but wow!! All seems fine in the tank. We did our normal 10% water change on Sunday like always,, will do another 15% today once I get some water from LFS..just ordered an ro/di machine, not here yet. What about running carbon in the cannister, will that help? Suggestions please are encouraged and I thank this site for all the help!! So far I see no one directly affected. I have not seen the bicolor blenny yet today but he was fine all day yesterday and lights have not come on with timer yet today. Please help.

 

[matttamar]

You might consider trying a poly filter in your filter. I had the same problem about a month ago and that is what my LFS told me to do and it set my levels right. I also need to tell I have only been doing this for six months so dont go out and buy one unless someone on here agrees with me.

 

[ohiorn67]

I will do some research on this today and also check them out, going to lfs when they open. what about carbon, does that help to?

 

[diadema]

water changes are the best way to reduce your ammonia and nitrite levels. I would suggest you go buy a bucket of salt and grab some RO water from your supermarket until your unit arrives in the mail.
Change enough water that your ammonia and nitrite levels become almost non-existent. And wait a few weeks before considering adding any more fish.

 

[ohiorn67]

yes, I feel guilty because I did not check levels yesterday, just do it every few days, so of course when all looks well, I did not think about it. I wish I would have but hind sight is 20/20....did last 10% change on sunday...today will do 15 gallons (90 gallon tank)...then will do another tomorrow....easier for me to get water from lfs because I don't have time to age it ....but will be getting the machine soon and doing this...how many times should I water change to keep it safe and other levels ok? I am still wondering if there is anything I can do with my filtration to run through, I am not big on adding anything to my tank in terms of chemical....

 

[fishmamma]

Warning: newbie here........ all of my recommended (from this sight) books mention Amquel to reduce ammonia levels in a pinch. I know it is not a true solution but possibly that and water changes will provide a safe environment for your stock. Amquel is made by Kordon- not sure if it is reef safe. I am sure somebody will reply to this so you can get another opinion.......good luck either way!

 

[matttamar]

I agree with Diadema definetly do a water change. I read your profile ohiorn and see you are new to the hobby like me, putting a poly filter in your tank will also filter out chemicals,ammonia,phosphates and many other things the are nice to have when we make mistakes as beginners, and they are also inexpensive(10-12 bucks)

 

[ohiorn67]

where do you put the poly filter? i just changed out the sponge on top in the cannister with some of that "fluff" cotton filter stuff, heard it was better, but of course, do I just take that out and that is where the poly goes? Carbon filters don't sound like they do much for ammonia, so will not buy those. hoping that a 15% change will be enough today and then can go back to 10% changes this week...ugh!!! So far, livestock seem fine....even my pulsing xenias look great and pulsing, I was told those would be a first indicator for me.

 

[matttamar]

Dont use Amquel it wont hurt anything but is only a temporary fix to a problem. Using amquel can also confuse you with ammonia reading ammonia tests will still show ammonia it says this on the fine print on the back of the amquel bottle.

 

[matttamar]

OhioRn I have a Fluval 404 cannister i just cut the poly filter into small squares and stuck them in the trays of my cannister, I also forgot to tell you that the poly filter will change colors telling you what it is taking out of the water.

 

[fishmamma]

Mattamar- I am not challenging you by any means- just asking what may be a stupid question on my part..........I know the Amquel is temporary fix but isn't that the point if you are at risk of losing livestock?? I guess what I am asking is that it sounds as though it is better to try and ride it out, determine the problem and fix it through filtration and water changes and hope for the best as far as your tank inhabitants go? I only ask because I was thinking of keeping some Amquel on hand for emergencies should they arise. Would you say it is OK to use the product if you know the reason for the ammonia spike and will be doing water changes until levels are back to zero anyway? Just curious......

 

[ohiorn67]

Do I take out the cotton filter fiber and replace it with this poly filter, I am assuming this because otherwise I would decrease flow through the filter....I am on my way to petsmart, they open earlier and are cheaper on filters, I am hoping they have the poly filter then will backtrack to the lfs for water. It is strange, everything looks great in the tank, all corals and fish, I am hoping this continues. I am wondering if I was feeding too much the last couple of days and then with the addtl added corals/fish. I was trying to spot feed all the corals and such....hard to do without some getting into water....go figure......I am not going to stress, but I do love my fish so much, hope they will ride this out....1 water change a day I assume is the safest.......

 

[fishmamma]

I think you do switch out the filter media. Over feeding can definatly cause ammonia levels to rise so maybe try cutting feeding back to every other day for now until your ammonia levels start to drop?? That is what have read to do many times on this site. Also I have read a daily 10% water change should lower your levels by 10 percent with each change- so I think you have to take baby steps to bring your ammonia back down and it may be a couple of days before you see significant results. Have you seen your bicolor blenny? I am glad to hear every thing is looking happy in your tank!!

 

[fishmamma]

There is a poist running right now started by Ant on how often to do water changes when trying to reduce levels. Scoobydoo wrote a bit that may interest you if you have not read it alreadyon how to drastically reduce numbers in a hurry.

 

[ohiorn67]

HI all back from lfs...you are gonna love this one.....bring them water sample also just to back up my readings...and all readings neg for any ammonia!!! No nitrite!! nuthin'!! I WAS LIKE NO WAY.....I am telling you SHOCK...well I wonder if I had just not cleaned out my glass tubes well, it is the ONLY explanation here....even my husband did the tests with me and saw the colors!! I am not going crazy..tee..heee.....went to buy 15 gallons of saltwater and still did and ta da!! good outcomes sometimes hard to find here so very happy to share this info....all in the tank looking great and bi color blenny is as happy as a spoiled fish can be, thanks all for the quick responses though....was so worried here!!

 

[ohiorn67]

fishmamma, here is my bicolor blenny.....

 

[fishmamma]

Ohio- I am so relieved for you!! Time for a new test kit huh?

Thanks for posting your little guy- looks like an adorable face!

 

[ohiorn67]

thanks Fishmamma, i am telling you HUGE relief..I have grown way too attached to all my fishies....I came home and rinsed out my test tubes real good and tried again...all normal reads..live and learn, make sure I totally rinse those things good!! whew!

 

[fishmamma]

I will be sure to rinse my test tubes very well today.