Spiked ammonia/water change

[gypsie32]

When I added my 2 percs last week, my ammonia spiked up a few days later, my question is: is it possible to do to big of a water change? Over the last few days I have changed out about 25gals in my 90gal tank. My ammonia is still showing about .25 but my aquarium pharm test kit is not very accurate on ammonia. I need to invest in seifret, I dont understand why the fish stores in Tampa dont carry this kit, they are supposed to be the best. Anyway do you all think their will be any ill affects on my two fish and snails from doing a large water change...Thanks I am still real new to this.

 

[temple2101]

I don't see why there would be ... however, as long as you are doing the water changes right. IE using RO water, letting the salt mix with the water for 24-48 hrs, and adding slowly. I'm somewhat new as well, and others may add to the water change method or disagree with me completely. However, I believe if you follow this you should be ok. Also, it is nice to make sure the pH in the water you're adding is the same as well as the temp. HTH!

 

[slofish]

only thing i see would be a bit of stress on the fish from a 30% water change.
btw, what are you using for filtration.

 

[gypsie32]

I have been mixing my salt water in 5gal buckets. I put a heater and a ph in there and let it sit for 24 to 48hrs. I check the salinity but have not checked the ph before adding. I always use ro water that I buy from the lfs. I have a r/o filter on the way. Do you all have any other suggestions for keeping ammonia down, all my other water perimiters are good. I do use a Euro-reef skimmer. I think 1 of my problems is that I need a bigger clean-up crew to help combat extra waste from food not eaten by my 2 percs.

 

[gypsie32]

I run a 20gal sump, EURO-REEF skimmer, 3 maxi-jet 900 ph's and mag-drive9.5 pump for my 90gal.

 

[bededog]

I am new this all of this but I don't think 0.25 for an ammonia reading is high.....is it? I don't think you have to worry about that small concentration of ammonia.