test results

[merc1500]

i got a master test kit today and i tested both of my stocked tanks and heres the result please comment on them im new at testing


old 10g
ammonia 4.0
nitrate 0
nitrite 0

2.5g mini bow set up dec 10th
ammonia 4.0
nitrate 0
nitrite 0


should the result be the same for both tanks is this good or bad

thanks

 

[unwritten law]

bad... ammonia is deadly right now I would say

 

[iapetus]

Yeah, with ammonia that high, I wonder how well established those tanks are.

 

[Kissyboots]

The fact that the results are the same for both tanks isn't bad. Both my tanks usually test close to each other. But you need to fix the ammonia! That's what killed my first fish...

 

[DesignsOnYou]

I'll just agree with what everyone else said and say that you need to do some immediate water changes to get that ammonia down below 1.0. If you're worried about your testing, most stores will test a sample of your water for free for you.

 

[TMony]

If you haven't already, get some Prime fast. I would do a 50% water change in both tanks and then treat them with Prime to protect your fish.

 

[merc1500]

well i did two 25 percent water changes per tank and got it down both down to 1.5 i plan to feed them lightly and test tommarow and probaly do another 25 percent water change tommarrow

 

[brian1973]

If you fed them today. I would not feed them for a couple days, then feed them then do a water change shortly after feeding. Keep changing the water, if your using HOB filters you may have to refill them to prime them after large water changes, set out enough old water to do this, adding tap water or fresh water added to the tank will most likely have chlorine in it and kill any bacteria.

Also READ the instruction manual when doing the tests, some things have to be done by the book to get accurate readings, and the guide on the back of the cards doesnt tell you exactley what to do, it is a guide for once your comfortable.

 

[merc1500]

i feel like a dummy not only id i overstocked my ten gallon but i stocked it to fast im banging my head in to the wall right now i should kno better i have had fish all my life but my question is if i keep the ammonia below 1.0 will the bio filteration eventully catch up or will i be doing 25 percent water changes everyday or every other day all the tanks life

thanks

 

[jo3olous]

how badly is it overstocked? ... what's in it?

 

[TMony]

It should eventually catch up, but how overstocked is the tank?

 

[merc1500]

4 zebras danios 2 pearl danios 4 neon tetras and 2 black neons there all about an inch long or so added 2 per 1 week since i brought the tank back up

will the bio filter pick up

 

[merc1500]

i threw my old whisper 10i in there today to hopefully speed up the bio build up it has a marineland 100b bio wheel filter usaully so now im running a 10i and the marineland the waters crystal clear and currently below 1.0 ammonia

 

[TMony]

For a 10 gallon you're fine. The bacteria will easily build up to handle those little guys.
Your tank is well stocked, but I think you'll be ok. I wouldn't add any more.
Are you adding Prime or something similar to help protect the little guys from the ammonia and nitrite?

 

[merc1500]

yeah i bought some ammo lock today at pet co what about the 10i addition is that a good idea or bad idea how long til i can remove it

thanks

 

[TMony]

If your planning on removing it anyway, I would just take it out now and let the other filters build up the bacteria necessary to keep your tank balanced.

Also, ammo lock will give you false positive readings on your ammonia. Just want to make sure you're aware of that.

 

[brian1973]

I would recommend Prime it does the same thing as ammo lock without effecting readings in my experience.

 

[merc1500]

well im thinking of getting it established and then when i get a tank for it i just put it in the new tank

 

[TMony]

That works . . . your existing tank may go through a mini cycle when you remove it later.

 

[sombunya]

Prime is indeed good stuff. Read the directions carefully.

If the temperature is good/close, a 50% change is better than two 25% changes.
However, any water change is better than no change at all.