AHHH!!!! Ammonia Spike

[Oceanwave45]

Ammonia Spike!!!! So I just tested my water and of course, Ammonia Spike. I can't seem to understand why this is happening.

A few changes I have made but shouldn't cause this issue are:
Added a Protein Skimmers - Runs only during the day - Reef Octopus 1000 Classic HOB
New RODI system

SYSTEM:
8 month old tank
HOB Aqua Clear - Media Metrix and Sponge
HOB Protein Skimmer
Powerheads
NO sump

ALL CORALS SEEM TO BE FINE - they are fully open and look very healthy.

All other water test come out to be within normal ranges.. I am sure why my ammonia has spiked.

The only thing I can think of -

Maybe some snails died?
OR
The water that sits in the Protein Skimmers over night get re pumped into the tank and thats causing the Ammonia Spike?

If anyone can help please let me know what I am doing wrong

 

[DSC reef]

As long as the actual dirty skimmer water isn't going back in the tank than I wouldn't worry. If the brown nasty skimmate is getting back into the tank then it can be a problem. Ammonia spike would mean a mini cycle or the bio load is a bit much and the bacteria need to catch up. No new rock or added fish? Also, why not skim 24-7?

 

[DSC reef]

Also, new RODI water. Are you using a TDS meter? Some municipalities will use chloramines in the water which if I'm not mistaken require a special resin to remove other than a carbon block.

 

[Oceanwave45]

As long as the actual dirty skimmer water isn't going back in the tank than I wouldn't worry. If the brown nasty skimmate is getting back into the tank then it can be a problem. Ammonia spike would mean a mini cycle or the bio load is a bit much and the bacteria need to catch up. No new rock or added fish? Also, why not skim 24-7?

Hey DSC REEF!!!! How are you? I hope you are staying safe! I haven't added anything, because I was told on one of my last post to keep my tank as is for at least 3 months so it can stabilize. So we haven't added anything!

Our tank is in the Master Bedroom, so its a bit loud, so we have to unplug it at night. Otherwise we would keep it 24/7. Once we can, I will be buying a new protein skimmer.

Andrew

 

[Oceanwave45]

Also, new RODI water. Are you using a TDS meter? Some municipalities will use chloramines in the water which if I'm not mistaken require a special resin to remove other than a carbon block.

We are not using a TDS meter, but we are using RODI water with OUR NEW SYSTEM! YAY!

 

[Oceanwave45]

Wouldn't you think if my Ammonia is testing so high, my corals would have closed up? I am not sure if I believer this API ammonia test. But I am sure its correct. So I had add some Prime to my system, which I know you really should because it kills everything!

Here is my plan
35 gallon water change?
Add bacteria again?

 

[DSC reef]

#reefsquad, any ideas?

 

[DSC reef]

Wouldn't you think if my Ammonia is testing so high, my corals would have closed up? I am not sure if I believer this API ammonia test. But I am sure its correct. So I had add some Prime to my system, which I know you really should because it kills everything!

Here is my plan
35 gallon water change?
Add bacteria again?

Water change definitely won't hurt along with bottled bacteria. Can you bring a sample of your water to a local store to double check the ammonia for you to make sure it's not a false alarm?

 

[jsker]

food getting trapped in the filter pad

 

[jsker]

Water change definitely won't hurt along with bottled bacteria. Can you bring a sample of your water to a local store to double check the ammonia for you to make sure it's not a false alarm?

also run some carbon

 

[Oceanwave45]

Water change definitely won't hurt along with bottled bacteria. Can you bring a sample of your water to a local store to double check the ammonia for you to make sure it's not a false alarm?

Yeah I will do that as well

 

[Oceanwave45]

also run some carbon

Really? I clean my filer once a week. But I guess that could happen. Maybe shut everything down and than feed? maybe lighter?

 

[DSC reef]

Really? I clean my filer once a week. But I guess that could happen. Maybe shut everything down and than feed? maybe lighter?

Turning off the return while feeding will help from excess food being trapped while giving the fish more time to eat it then just getting filtered away. Turn off the skimmer too when you turn off the main filter.

 

[Oceanwave45]

dang.. I think I know what happened.. I cleaned out the filter along with the sponge and I think I even tho I used tank water, I raised the sponge too clean. therefore I removed all the bacteria! Would that cause this as well?

 

[Maritimer]

Just for a giggle, have you tested the water coming out of your RO/DI unit for ammonia?

Seems to me that would tell you if that's where it's coming from...

You didn't remove all the bacteria. It's on every surface in your tank, down into the pores of your liverock. You can squeeze out those filter sponges pretty aggressively in the old tankwater, and the bacteria will be fine.

~Bruce

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

#reefsquad, any ideas?

Some folks report false readings on API.

And yes. The prime will do the trick.
Follow the directions per gallon and test in a little while.

 

[Oceanwave45]

Just for a giggle, have you tested the water coming out of your RO/DI unit for ammonia?

Seems to me that would tell you if that's where it's coming from...

You didn't remove all the bacteria. It's on every surface in your tank, down into the pores of your liverock. You can squeeze out those filter sponges pretty aggressively in the old tankwater, and the bacteria will be fine.

~Bruce

Yes I have tested the RODI system, and the water is clean

 

[Oceanwave45]

Just for a giggle, have you tested the water coming out of your RO/DI unit for ammonia?

Seems to me that would tell you if that's where it's coming from...

You didn't remove all the bacteria. It's on every surface in your tank, down into the pores of your liverock. You can squeeze out those filter sponges pretty aggressively in the old tankwater, and the bacteria will be fine.

~Bruce

Okay, I am so confused right now? What would be causing this problem? Everything is alive and well. I am not sure what to do about this.

Should I do a water change? Or just leave it until my next scheduled water change

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Okay, I am so confused right now? What would be causing this problem? Everything is alive and well. I am not sure what to do about this.

Should I do a water change? Or just leave it until my next scheduled water change

If it's ammonia , the prime will eat it. It's bacteria and bacteria loves ammonia.

I personally am doubting your test kit.

 

[Maritimer]

Which test kit are you using, and what's the number you're coming up with?

Water change is unlikely to do harm to anything except your bank account. (I know, sore muscles - but think of it as a workout!)

~Bruce