State of Emergency

[mccanei]

I have had a FOWLR up and running for 4 months. Three weeeks ago I lost all my fish to parasites and secondary ailments. I let my tank run fish free w 2 hermit crabs for 3 weeks to let parasites die off. Figuring the tank retained some beneficial bacteria I restocked w 2 fish 6" porcupine puffer and 3" clown trigger. I also aded bio spira beneficial bateria to supplement the loss of bacteria. Today, two days later my ammonia level is pretty high- .06. For the mean time I will minimize feedings, and probably perform a water change. My Question is can one perform routine water changes and successfully colonize beneficial bacteria? Are there other measures one might want to take in this situation? Would adding more beneficial bacteria after my ammonia levels spike be affective? Any creative solutions would be gladly accepted.
Thank you
p.s. By the way the fish are not showing any signs of stress yet. I am wondering if these species are hardy enough to withstand the spikes during a cycle.

 

[beth]

I'm assuming that you did not add any medications to the display to treat the ich? Increase the water circulation, especially on the water surface. Do the water changes. Good water will enhance your biofilter.

 

[mccanei]

Will perfroming these water changes stifle the cycling of the tank?

 

[lion_crazz]

I would definitely do water changes if you are getting ammonia levels. Ammonia is usually very toxic to fish if they are exposed to it for a while.
Next time you add fish, add less at a time. Your bio-filter only has enough biological bacteria to handle so much fish.

 

[sleasia]

you may want to boost your bio load by adding some live bacteria....bio spira marine has worked very well for me...usually in the lfs fridge.