SCUGrad

Three week old tank. Rather heavily stocked (almost 30 small fish). I just got my API Water test kit today. I had it shipped from the States just because it's not available (at least I haven't seen it) locally.

ammonia - 0.25
Nitrates - 10
Nitrites - 0
pH - 8.0

I think I'm doing pretty well. The slightly elevated ammonia level is probably from being overstocked. I like the fact that I have nitrites zero and nitrates 10. To combat the ammonia, I've cut down on the feedings to one small feeding per day. Later, I plan to depopulate the tank when we add on our new 75 gallon tank.

I do a 30% water change once a week.

Let me know your thoughts. Oh and it's (according to the dimension calculator) a 38.4 gallon tank

Butterfly

Keep an eye on those ammonia readings as any ammonia is dangerous for your fish. As long as you have ammonia more frequent water changes need to be done. With those readings your cycle is on its way but I think not complete.
Cutting down on the feedings is a good first step. A fishes stomach is about the size of one eye so they really don't need as much as we think they do
Keep testing, when the ammonia is 0, nitrites 0 and you have some Nitrates the cycle will be done.
Even over slightly stocked the beneficial bacteria will multiply to take care of the ammonia in a tank if proper maintenance is carried out but it takes time to get it grown to that extent(approx5-8weeks usually) Hope that helped. Lets us know if you have questions. Keep up the good work
Carol

aquarist48

Hello SCUGRad. I would like to suggest that you stuff your filter with as much bio matter as you can, additional sponges, bio cubes, floss. The more beneficial bacteria (BB) you have the better off your fish and aquarium itself will be. Too, in my opinion that goes for surface area in your tank as well. Especially because in my opinion you are a tad overstocked Just keep and eye on your readings and frequent water changes as mentioned by other posters and I think you'll be fine before long.

Too, add some Prime or Amquel + (something to detox ammonia) for a 24 hour period until it's time for another water change. Even though you add the detox chemical you will still get ammonia readings but it won't be as toxic as ammonia itself, keeping your fish safe.

SCUGrad

Does using ammonia detoxifier screw up your cycle? I heard that you shouldn't use too many chemicals in your water.

Also, how often should I be testing my water?

Also, I had my first casualty. One of my neon tetras gave up the ghost. Didn't discover the little tyke for a few days because the carcass was under some decorations.

Shawnie

oh no! im sorry for the loss of your tetra
when you have fish going through the cycle process, you need the detoxifier to allow them to not pass from the ammonia/nitrite phase....the product allows the ammonia to be available for the cycle process but it detoxifies it so its tolerable for the fish..it works for 24 hours until another partial water change with the product....prime, amquel+ or ammo lock will all do the same thing..so which ever ONE you can find, will be awesome.... good luck !