Ammonia Spike

[SethSPST]

I've had my tank about 2 months and when I tested the water today I got:

ammonia- .2
trite-.1
trate- 0
ph- 8.3
salinity- 1.022
temp- usually between 79-82

I justed added about 15 hermits and a ocellaris clown last wednesday. Could the clown and crabs have led to this spike? I'm going to do a 15% water change in a couple hours so I'm hoping this will help. Anybody have other ideas as to what caused this? I haven't changed anything else?

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

in a 75 gal. tank the fish and crabs wouldn't have changes that. my guess was maybe one of the crabs may have hit a pocket in your sand that released a dead spot.

 

[Blown 346]

How much do you feed them?

 

[SethSPST]

Maybe half a cube.

 

[Blown 346]

That could be part of the problem, if you feed everyday or regularily, therewill be alot of left over food.
I would cut back feedings to 2 to 3 times a week, and only feed what they fish can eat in 5 minutes.
If there is still food in the tank after that time you overfeed.
I would also turn off you filter so te food doesnt get filtered and just sits in thesump or hang on filter to rot.

 

[socalreefer73]

/shudder

a 15% water change every hour for how long? That should cause a significant amount of stress to the occupants... esp. if the water is not aged.

 

[Sk8r]

Your reading, while not optimum, is not scary. Just hold the water as is and reduce feeding. Your live rock should take care of the situation.