O Boy. How do I get my ammonia down.....fast?

[rtlimpus]

I just checked my parameters on my 29 Bio, and they are as follows:
PH 8.0
trites and trates 0
ammonia was .50 but is more like .25 after 2nd test
I redid my "filter" area and started my refugium, so I think I stirred everything up by taking out the bioballs, ceramic tubes and carbon, but i am still concerned. Any ideas?
I have a skimmer, 3 power heads, 20 lbs LR, 20 lbs LS, and have been up and running for 4 months. I have two percs and just got a diamond goby to clean my sand. Also have 1 turbo, 1 peppermint and some hermits and little snails.
Should I worry?
Renee

 

[spanko]

Should have asked here first. The bio media you removed housed a good part of your biofiltration and you have taken it out. Now the ammonia being produced cannot be used up quickly like it was because of the reduced amount of bacteria in your system. So Amquel or other ammonia locking compound would help here as well as the water changes.
The bio media, for others thinking of doing this, must be removed slowly over the course of a few weeks, like 1/3 per week at water change time. This allows the population of bacteria to replenish and take up residence on other hard surfaces in the tank.

 

[rtlimpus]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3254315
Should have asked here first. The bio media you removed housed a good part of your biofiltration and you have taken it out. Now the ammonia being produced cannot be used up quickly like it was because of the reduced amount of bacteria in your system. So Amquel or other ammonia locking compound would help here as well as the water changes.
The bio media, for others thinking of doing this, must be removed slowly over the course of a few weeks, like 1/3 per week at water change time. This allows the population of bacteria to replenish and take up residence on other hard surfaces in the tank.
Thanks. I thought I had read everything here on making a refugium. Must have missed that part since I spent HOURS researching. Thanks tho, I will go pick up an ammonia lock. Truely hadn't considered that.

 

[spanko]

Be aware it will lock up the ammonia but it will not remove it. Still gonna have to do water changes to remove it. Also don't add any bioload for a while so that the bacteria colony can increase to previous levels.

 

[rtlimpus]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3254324
Be aware it will lock up the ammonia but it will not remove it. Still gonna have to do water changes to remove it. Also don't add any bioload for a while so that the bacteria colony can increase to previous levels.
So water changes then. Good. How often do you think? Every day???? 20 %

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3254324
Be aware it will lock up the ammonia but it will not remove it. Still gonna have to do water changes to remove it. Also don't add any bioload for a while so that the bacteria colony can increase to previous levels.
as an added note and i am sure Henry meant to say it will lock up your ammonia and make it non toxic BUT you will still get a reading of ammonia when you test

 

[rtlimpus]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3254483
as an added note and i am sure Henry meant to say it will lock up your ammonia and make it non toxic BUT you will still get a reading of ammonia when you test
I did NOT know that. Thanks. My ammonia is down to less than .25, so I am hoping we are on the mend.
Thanks guys.

 

[cableguy]

Is .25 ammonia really toxic? I have read conflicting info on a couple different sites. Or maybe they are in different context from fish to fish and coral to fish etc...?

 

[rtlimpus]

Originally Posted by cableguy
http:///forum/post/3255067
Is .25 ammonia really toxic? I have read conflicting info on a couple different sites. Or maybe they are in different context from fish to fish and coral to fish etc...?
Dunno. I would like an opinion or two on this myself. I have heard ammonia should be 0.

 

[xcali1985]

Any level off Ammonia is toxic, it burns the soft flesh of fish, ex gills. Anything above 0 in an established tank is a problem. The amount just affects how fast it happens. Some fish are tougher than others and can survive a ammo spike most arent.

 

[saxman]

another thing to consider when using an ammonia "binder" is that unless the product is buffered (Ultimate, Am-Quel +), it can crash your pH quicker than a one-winged jet fighter. use them sparingly, even if they are buffered.
if you notice any of your fish breathing heavily, i suggest getting them into a meth blue bath ASAP, as it can help alleviate the symptoms.

 

[geridoc]

saxman has it right - I have used Amquel+ many times. Just follow the directions on the bottle. As your bacteria build up they will remove it from the water column, although water changes never hurt.