QT tank ammonia issues

ninjamini

ninjamini

New member
I have a 10 gallon QT tank that I've put a few new fish in. I keep the filter sponge in my DT and move it when i need it. Ammonia was at .25 this morning and I did a 15% water change. Tonight I had a .5 reading and I am now doing a 20% change.

If I can't get the ammonia back to good levels I am going to move them to the dt with out QT.

Any suggestions to keep ammonia down? And how much can they take. I think it's zero but how much is too much?
 
What test kit? Most read somewhat high. At .25 the ammonia is mostly in the non toxic ammonium form and not a worry. If extra control is indeed needed for ammonia, I would use some Amquel or Ammolock to bind up and detoxify the ammonia instead of cutting the QT short. Much easier to use a combination of ammonia binders and water changes to keep things under control than treat a disease in your DT.
 
It's the API. I don't think it's he test because it always says 0 on weekly checks.

This morning it's .5 and that's after a 20% water change before bed. I have never used amquel or the like as they are counter productive. but i wont let he fish get hurt by amonia. I guess I'll be getting some this am.

I was thinking of getting fritz zime 9 to increase the bacteria.




billsreef said:
What test kit? Most read somewhat high. At .25 the ammonia is mostly in the non toxic ammonium form and not a worry. If extra control is indeed needed for ammonia, I would use some Amquel or Ammolock to bind up and detoxify the ammonia instead of cutting the QT short. Much easier to use a combination of ammonia binders and water changes to keep things under control than treat a disease in your DT.
Click to expand...
 
How big are the fish? I've never had issues with ammonia in QT. I used a seeded sponge in an AC30 (in a 10 gal). First week change the water a few extra times, but after that, once a week. Ia've also never QT'd multiple or large fish, so that may be at play. I always keep prime on hand, but honestly, I've never used it. Hope you figure it out.
 
5 fish all -.5-2" and one 5" Blenny. It's a 10 gal and I guess it does not have enoughI biological. I'm getting amquel at lunch and keep up on water changes.
 
ninjamini said:
It's the API. I don't think it's he test because it always says 0 on weekly checks.

This morning it's .5 and that's after a 20% water change before bed. I have never used amquel or the like as they are counter productive. but i wont let he fish get hurt by amonia. I guess I'll be getting some this am.

I was thinking of getting fritz zime 9 to increase the bacteria.
Click to expand...

I've found API tends to run .25ppm high when compared to analytical lab results of the same sample. So I'd say so long as you keep that reading at .5 or below, no need to overly stress.
 
To be on the safe side I would do a water change every other day. Also, test daily. I found myself feeding more often to get the new fish to eat, but that just turned into ammonia. I had the same problems with ammonia in my qt tank and it was 30 gallons.
 
Thanx guys. I like these fish so I'm testing 3 times a day. I'm going to do amquel to remove it. When I test my display tank it reads 0 so I don't see it could be a false positive. I've tested many times on both tanks to check it.
 
Anyone tries quick start from API or biological enhancer from fluval? There both say there live bacteria to help build the load.
 
firewill65 said:
FYI, once you dose amquel your testing will become inaccurate from what I hear.
Click to expand...

The bottle said that. It binds the amonia so that its safe while the bacteria grow to handle the load. Interesting if it works. I'll find out as I put some in my QT tank.
 
stop using the api and just use one of the hang on badges .....they will give you the most accurate over the counter non lab readings.....in qt readings are usually a little quirky with hypo or other treatments but the badge will not be effected....
 
mrx66699 said:
stop using the api and just use one of the hang on badges .....they will give you the most accurate over the counter non lab readings.....in qt readings are usually a little quirky with hypo or other treatments but the badge will not be effected....
Click to expand...

Wait... Are you punking me? I thought those hang on things were complete garbage?????
You are aren't you.
 
I use the badges. Never had it go to green (knock on wood), not that I could tell with my impairment anyway, LOL!
 
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