Very High ammonia while cycling - not dropping

[ashleigh234]

Hi,
We have had our tank set up for 2 weeks now:
The ammonia has been sitting on 8.0 (highest reading in our testkit) for the last week
Nitrates have been sitting on 10 for the last week, and in the last day or two have jumped to 40
Nitrites have been on 0.5 for the last week and a half, and in the last day or two have jumped to 5.
Is something in our tank not right?? Seems like it should have dropped by now??
We are cycling with a damsel - I know people say its not a good idea, our fish shop advised us to do this, do we need to take him out, he doesn't seem to be suffering at all.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Ashleigh234
Hi,
We have had our tank set up for 2 weeks now:
The ammonia has been sitting on 8.0 (highest reading in our testkit) for the last week
Nitrates have been sitting on 10 for the last week, and in the last day or two have jumped to 40
Nitrites have been on 0.5 for the last week and a half, and in the last day or two have jumped to 5.
Is something in our tank not right?? Seems like it should have dropped by now??
We are cycling with a damsel - I know people say its not a good idea, our fish shop advised us to do this, do we need to take him out, he doesn't seem to be suffering at all.
Do you know how to mix water for a water change? If not, pick up a plastic trash can, add water and salt. Mix it with a powerhead for at least 24 hours. Do a few 50% water changes. I am very suprised that the fish is still alive. His gills must be on fire. Give him back to the LFS. I know that you were told to get him. I do not blame you at all. Please get the fish out of that water.

 

[renogaw]

I hate to suggest it, but are you sure you're doing your test kit properly and are using a saltwater test kit (not fresh water?). an ammonia level of 8 would kill everything in that tank, including the bacteria needed to breakdown nitrites into trates. I agree with sep, get that fish out of there and do some water changes, but i'd also suggest double checking your readings.

 

[tizzo]

Originally Posted by Ashleigh234
We are cycling with a damsel - I know people say its not a good idea, our fish shop advised us to do this, do we need to take him out, he doesn't seem to be suffering at all.
That statement right there worries me. You need to decide, for future reference if your gonna take the advice of the LFS employees, or trust the advice from aquarists who actually have nothing to gain by sharing what they know, cause the two will almost never Be the same.
The fish doesn't seem to be suffering, but he is. Ammonia levels that high kill most sea creatures, the damsel happens to be one of the most hardiest of fish, but that does not mean he's not suffering at all.
What else is in yur tank?? Any live rock? And how much and how often are you feeding the fish?

 

[pondy]

I have heard of peoples tanks taking up to 8 weeks to cycle. So that is normal what I dont know is how high the ammonia gets when there tank cycled for that long. The main key in the hobby is patients. I am not saying that you arent patient I am just saying that a tank can take quite a long time to cycle. I would think if your nitrites are on the rise then here soon you are going to see the ammonia start to fall. That has been the case in all my tanks when they cycle. So keep your eye on it and keep us updated. Dustin

 

[oniel21]

Originally Posted by pondy
I have heard of peoples tanks taking up to 8 weeks to cycle. So that is normal what I dont know is how high the ammonia gets when there tank cycled for that long. The main key in the hobby is patients. I am not saying that you arent patient I am just saying that a tank can take quite a long time to cycle. I would think if your nitrites are on the rise then here soon you are going to see the ammonia start to fall. That has been the case in all my tanks when they cycle. So keep your eye on it and keep us updated. Dustin
Yes, it COULD take up to 8 weeks, but your ammonia should never be that high. As Renow stated, that high of Ammonia will kill the bacteria that breaks down trites into trates. You need to do a series of water changes until you get the ammonia down to 1.0, then let the cycle run it's course. Also, seeing that your damsel is still alive, get your water tested at the LFS when you're returning the fish - you may have a problem with your kit.

 

[florida joe]

what test kit are you using

 

[ashleigh234]

Thanks everybody.
Will take the fish back to the shop.
We are using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Test Kit. We have had a tank before, just a very small 38L one, so we know we are doing testing right. Will try a water change tonight, what percent water change do you all think? We have a 78L (20 gallons) tank currently.
Anyone else with any ideas?

 

[ashleigh234]

We do have algae in the tank, does this mean that there is bacteria stil in there? Its only started appearing over the last 3-4 days. Could this mean the test kit is wrong?

 

[threed240]

Originally Posted by Ashleigh234
We do have algae in the tank, does this mean that there is bacteria stil in there? Its only started appearing over the last 3-4 days. Could this mean the test kit is wrong?
I would try another test kit.

 

[florida joe]

are you using tap water if so check it for ammonia my tap water has an ammonia reading of 2.0 so you could be starting out hight even before you try to start cycling your tank

 

[oniel21]

When you take the fish back be sure to bring a large sample of your tank water and have the LFS test it for you. Your kit could be expired or have something wrong with it. You never know, plus, what do you have to lose?

 

[ashleigh234]

Yes we are using tap water, I will test for ammonia in there later today. I am not going to be able to get out to a fish shop until the weekend. how much water would i need to get them to test the water?

 

[spanko]

I'd bring in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water for them to test. Have them check everything, Amm, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ph. If their reading are different than yours, get a new test kit. For a water change I would do 5 gallons right now then 5 gallons in two days. Just doesn't seem like your ammonia could be that high and the Damsel still be swimming around to me.
JMO FWIW

 

[dogstar]

How old is the test kit..I normaly dont trust them after a couple years old ???
You could be over feeding the fish and/or a lot of die off from the rocks ( the high levels could be causeing extra die off too and adding to the levels and thats a shame ) in a small tank, levels can get high fast if theres alot/too much decaying protein...best to always monitor and do water changes to keep levels at or around 1.0 until they drop. I agree with getting the fish out but if you can at least get the levels down, the the fish would be happier...

 

[ashleigh234]

Ok, I have taken a sample to the fish shop, and got the same readings, they used the same kind of test kit I have.
Also did a water change, for now just 15% change as will have to get some more salt first, will see what happens after this. I did this change about 1 hr ago, how long should I wait before I test the water again to see if there is any change?

 

[1journeyman]

Simple math, actually.. If your new water is 0 ammonia, then figure what percent you've removed at 8.o Ammonia and figure where the tank is now.
As stated, Ammonia of 8 devasted your bacteria and live rock. Not to mention your fish.'
Keep doing water changes to get your ammonia below 1. Then ghost feed the tank every few days.
Good luck.

 

[ashleigh234]

Ghost feed?

 

[1journeyman]

"Ghost" feed refers to feeding an empty tank, as though you had a fish in it.
The food breaks down and produces the ammonia your cycle needs, without gassing a fish.

 

[ashleigh234]

I have done a test after the water change, ammonia is still on 8.0.
Would algae grow in the tank if there was no bacteria??