Please help!!!

[Lysh87]

I seem to have a major ammonia issue. It keeps getting worse! I started using Ammo Lock. I used it on Monday then Wednesday and it will be due again tomorrow. I know it converts toxic ammonia into non-toxic and it says my tank will still test positive but I would have expected it to at least go down! It keeps going up. It’s really green now. I did a water change before using ammo lock too.

I have live sand and it is fairly dirty but how do I clean that??

I also attached the two photos so you can see how high it has gone after a couple days...

I really hope someone can help me.... I lost one fish last week before buying ammo lock and I think this is why...

 

[Copingwithpods]

Can you post a picture of the tank? Also how are nitrites and nitrates? Missing any fish or inverts? Have you used any household chemicals (hand sanitizers or lotions on hands) near or on the tank?

 

[jerrod]

Do a water change to bring it down. A large one. How many fish have you already placed in? You can dose ammo lock or prime to keep it from being toxic but the biological filtrations/ bacteria needs time to build up. You can add microbacter 7 or Dr Tims one and only to help speed up the cycle.

 

[Copingwithpods]

How old is the tank?

 

[W1ngz]

Large ammonia spikes are best handled with large (50% or more) water changes daily.

Sand is siphoned clean with a gravel vacuum.

How old is this tank and what happened to cause an ammonia spike?

 

[Lysh87]

Can you post a picture of the tank? Also how are nitrites and nitrates? Missing any fish or inverts? Have you used any household chemicals (hand sanitizers or lotions on hands) near or on the tank?

I have 3 fish (blue fin damsel, gold and black stripe chromis and a 6 lined wrasse) I also have 4 snails and 2 hermit crabs. It’s a 10 gallon tank. Not missing any fish. I haven’t paid too much attention to chemicals specifically but I try to be cautious. I use soap before touching and I have long rubber gloves. Maybe it’s not good enough or I need just bar soap.

 

[Lysh87]

How old is the tank?

I set it up on February second. Live sand and dry rock. I have 2 corals too

 

[Lysh87]

I have 3 fish (blue fin damsel, gold and black stripe chromis and a 6 lined wrasse) I also have 4 snails and 2 hermit crabs. It’s a 10 gallon tank. Not missing any fish. I haven’t paid too much attention to chemicals specifically but I try to be cautious. I use soap before touching and I have long rubber gloves. Maybe it’s not good enough or I need just bar soap.

 

[Lysh87]

Here is my tank. Should I turn the light on?

 

[Lysh87]

Do a water change to bring it down. A large one. How many fish have you already placed in? You can dose ammo lock or prime to keep it from being toxic but the biological filtrations/ bacteria needs time to build up. You can add microbacter 7 or Dr Tims one and only to help speed up the cycle.

I have 3 fish. I have been using ammo lock. Started on Monday and it says every 2 days. Tomorrow morning will be the third dose. Should I do a water change and then dose again?

 

[W1ngz]

I think you may have added too many fish too soon and too fast, in a tank that wasn't properly cycled.

Daily water changes and ammo lock will get you there if you keep at it.

 

[Lysh87]

Oh no really? ok

 

[Lysh87]

I think you may have added too many fish too soon and too fast, in a tank that wasn't properly cycled.

Daily water changes and ammo lock will get you there if you keep at it.

How long can I continue to use ammo lock for?

 

[Lysh87]

Is there a good vacuum you can recommend for live sand? I’ve never cleaned it before

 

[W1ngz]

How long can I continue to use ammo lock for?

I'd say youre good for a couple of weeks if you're also doing daily water changes, or at least alternating ammo lock one day, 50% water change the next.

 

[Lysh87]

I'd say youre good for a couple of weeks if you're also doing daily water changes, or at least alternating ammo lock one day, 50% water change the next.

Okay I haven’t done a water change since starting ammo lock. I will do that in the morning and dose again bc that’s when im due to put it in again

 

[Lysh87]

I have 3 fish. I have been using ammo lock. Started on Monday and it says every 2 days. Tomorrow morning will be the third dose. Should I do a water change and then dose again?

I’m not sure what microbater 7 or dr Tim’s is but I have SeaChem stability that it says to put it when I do a water change? Is that the same thing?

 

[TracyLynn]

I set it up on February second. Live sand and dry rock. I have 2 corals too

Patience is the hardest thing to practice. I think maybe you added too many animals to your 10 gal tank too soon.
Maybe your LFS will board your animals while you get your water levels worked out.

 

[Damon Jensen]

Water change. I am almost done with a fallow period. I had to at my fish an am doing almost daily 25% changes. 20gl tanks with two and 3 fish. Keeping the guys alive though

 

[Copingwithpods]

Let's for a second assume it isn't the tank being too new for the bioload and cover all bases.

OK can you clear up the soap thing? Are you washing your hands with soap before going in the tank? If so don't, if your hands absolutely need to be in the tank rinse the heck out of them with just water. You want to remove any soaps and oils off your hands (up to the elbow) before going hands in. Also gloves that are powder free and antibacterial free only. Remember our tanks are run by bacteria we don't want anything to kill them.

On your water changes, are you using tap, filtered or Rodi water? Could test your incoming water what ever the source for ammonia. Also don't mix and dump give it a good 24hrs to mix and preheat properly if your not already doing that.

Possible ammonia contaminants...

Is the bottle of bacteria new and not expired? These can go bad and you'd just be adding dead bacteria to the tank.

Clean the glass with anything containing ammonia?

Also what are your other parameters?
Nitrites
Nitrates
Ph
Alk
Cal
Temp
Salinity