markyd

I really need some help. I have had a 125L tank for 5 weeks and up until 4 days ago all has been well.
The water became cloudy and all my levels went beserk!! Ammonia 8, Nitrite 5 - big problem.

I have done 2 20% water changes added Ammolock, stress zyme (for filter). I have also added a nitra zorb bag to my filter (fluval3plus).

I really don't kbow what else to do. The fish are dying and are all gasping at the surface of the tank.

HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mark Davis (England)

Shawnie

Hi Mark..all you can do at this pint is continue with daily water changes of 50-75% and make sure its treated tap water if it has chlorine etc in it.. if you can get some bio-spira immediately, that will help cycle the tank asap..if your local fish store doesnt have it, this link does....http://www.aquariumplants.com/Bio_Spira_s/47.htm goodluck!

Peterpiper

Hi markyd, and welcome,
You need to get the fish out of the tank now! get a large tub prep the water get it to temp and get the fish in the tub, get a air line in the tub.
The fish are dieing due to the tank not being cycled and the ammonia and nitrites are killing them.
Return the fish to the shop if you can, then the tank will need to be cycled before adding fish,

Lucy

Hi Mark, Welcome to Fish Lore.

I don't have personal experience with Ammolock, but from what I read, this will bind the ammonia, making it less toxic to your fish, but the ammonia will still show up in testing.
Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong on that.

The tank is 5 weeks old, and I don't have experience cycling with fish, but couldn't this be the spike in cycling and nitrates will soon follow?
I agree with Shawnie on the water change, do that tonight and tomorrow and see if your fish are doing any better. If they are, continue with daily water changes.

Peter also has a good point about returning the fish if they are really suffering and complete the cycle fish less.

Good luck, I hope your fish make it.

susitna-flower

I doubt that a fish store would take fish that have been subjected to high levels of ammonia or nitrite to the point they are dieing....

At this point the daily water changes are the best route. Don't fall victim to thinking you need to change out filter material or scrub any thing....that will further slow your cycle.

You should take this time also to read up on the nitrogen cycle so you understand just what is going on, and why your fish are in such distress.

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm and

2 Ammonia methods of cycling your fishless tank

Both of the above should help.

As for the ammolock and nitra zorb, if it were me I wouldn't use these. I've not had any experience with either...others might have more of an idea.

Prime is a good product, it detoxifies the ammonia and nitrite, but I think the levels you are seeing can only be dealt with with water changes. Good Luck.

markyd

Thanks for all your help.

I have changed water again and again and again and good news the levels are improving.
Ammonia now 0.25, Nitrite now 1.0 and Nitrate 10.
I am getting there!!
Thanks for all your help.
Mark

STEVIEG

Hi mark don't panic just keep doing your water changes you will get it right i know your fish are dying but this happens to us all at the start dont use ammo-lock i have before it's know good just masks the ammo use stress coat in the freshwater you add good product there is a product called baco zyme i think thats how you spell it its great for getting the cycle going best of luck hang in there!!!!

steveangela1

Nice name, my stepdad has your exact name... lol
Anyways keep up w/ the waterchanges, sounds like its coming along nicely.. The cycle takes a while to finish out, patience is all I can say and waterchange waterchange waterchange.... I thought I was going to go crazy w/ my tanks getting them cycled!
You might want to keep in mind the next time you set up a tank to try a fishless cycle so the fish don't have to go though the high ammonia levels/high nitrites.. you can use raw shrimp in the bottom of the new tank, fish food, pure ammonia.... anything like that to cycle the tank w/o a fish.