ErikZ

I have a 5 gallon tank with 2, 1 inch platies. I cycled the tank fishless for 3-4 weeks, then added the fish. Since then, my ammonia has gone up and up. I have done a massive water change (80%), i have done a minor water change. I have added Dr. Foster and Smith Stabilize. Nothing is brining down the ammonia. Any suggestions?

SereneReyn

keep doing water changes, every other day if you can, about 25%... and get some biospira?

Blub

ErikZ

Why will that help a cycled tank? And there is nowhere to get it around here. I have looked. Any other suggestions? I will start doing the water changes.

Blub

Gunnie

What test kit are you using? Also, what type of conditioner do you use?

SereneReyn

it would seem to me (although i'm only recently returning to fish-keeping) that your ammonia levels are high in your 'cycled' tank because you don't have an adequate bacteria colony established to support your bio-load. bio spira will boost your bacteria colony, thus helping to get the ammonia converted at a rate that will be sufficient for your tank. in the meantime, the water changes are important to give the inhabitants some reprieve from the stress of the ammonia/nitrite as your tank gets more stable...

i'm sorry to hear that it's not available near you. i can't find it here either. so i guess your options are... wait, with increased water changes alone your tank will eventually stabilize... and/or try to find someone with an established/healthy tank and see if you can get some old filter media from them, or even a scoop of gravel?

good luck.

COBettaCouple

I'd recommend not using the stabilize for now. You'll want to get a bottle of Prime and start treating your water with that. 25% water changes every day or 2 will be good and I'd get the API liquid test (master freshwater kit) if you don't have it. The time to test is right before a water change. What is the exact reading on ammonia now?