How To Get Ammonia Down And Alkalinity Up?

All the readings in my "Oh no why are there babies in there" 3.5g molly fry tank have been fine for the past 4 weeks. This morning I tested and my ammonia (API) and it was at 8 so I got the fry out (gallon container with water from my other tank where the water is fine) and did a water change. I didn't test anything else. I waited a couple hours and just tested again and the ammonia is at 1.0 and the test strips (Tetra 6 in 1) say the alkalinity is about 20 (not quite 0 but not quite 40). The pics are the most recent tests




If this helps- I used water and small stones from an already cycled tank when I set the 3.5g up because I didn't plan on having the fry. The readings in the tank the stones came from are ammonia- 0 and everything is perfect on the test strips.

Please don't tell me about your opinion on test strips. I'm new and matching the color of tinted water for the ammonia test is hard enough for me. Test strips are easier to read and that's why I use them. I'll get the master kit once I know what I'm doing.

 

You didn't say what species of fry but the water change seems to have taken care of the ammonia and honestly if your fish are adjusted to the alkalinity I wouldn't give that a second thought - unless you have a species that are super sensitive.

Well done with the disclaimer. I have seen 7 page arguments blow up over the benefits of strips vs. Liquids

 

You didn't say what species of fry but the water change seems to have taken care of the ammonia and honestly if your fish are adjusted to the alkalinity I wouldn't give that a second thought - unless you have a species that are super sensitive.

Well done with the disclaimer. I have seen 7 page arguments blow up over the benefits of strips vs. Liquids

Sorry, they're Mollies (I'll edit to add that) and thank you. I've seen those too and every time someone asks what kit I use I get lectured and I'm tired of it tbh. Might as well stop the problem before it starts

 

I think with mollies you should be fine to just keep the ammonia down . I doubt the alkalinity will be an issue. It is more dangerous to alter the water chemistry as the chance for big swings increases.

Good luck!!

 

It's always nice to have a few plants. It keeps ammonias and nitrates down. And using any stones like texas holy rock will raise PH

 

Is there a filter in the tank? How many fry are in there?

 

Is there a filter in the tank? How many fry are in there?

Yes, the tank is one of the Topfin starter kits so it’s whatever filter comes with the 3.5 gallon one (I’m not home to check rn). There are 8 fry

It's always nice to have a few plants. It keeps ammonias and nitrates down. And using any stones like texas holy rock will raise PH

I was thinking about starting a planted tank... this might be my excuse!