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I have had my tank for a month now and my ammonia level in the water keeps reading 10 is this normal2007-11-24 23:35:28

I have 1 Oscar, 1 Parrot chicilid and 1Pleco I change about 10% of the water daily or every other day and vacuum the gravel frenquently is it normal to have these readings after a month and I have not had a ammonia spike yet is this normal?

Answers:

How big is this tank? How often do you feed them? How frequently is frequently? How big are the fish?

All of these questions need answers so that we can help you.

You should be changing 25-30% of the water once a week (never change 100%). You shouldn't be vacuuming the gravel at all yet. Once the tank is cycled in, then vacuum half (either left side or right side) the tank about every six weeks. Then next time, do the other half. Do not remove all the bacteria, you need them.

The tank will become cloudy, this is a normal part of the cycling in of the tank. It will clear on its' own as the bacteria build up. Unless they are overcrowded or you are feeding them too much or too often. Once a day is fine for all fish. I only feed six days a week, the other day is just to clear out their systems.

If the fish are large, you need a large tank. The Oscar will get to about 12-15", the parrot about 8" and the pleco (if he is a common) can grow to 24".. yes, two feet. If they are too large, they will produce so much waste that you will always have problems.

Email me if you have more questions.

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if you are using plait tapwater to replace the water when changed test the water from the tapto find if that is the source for your ammonia problems.

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First things first, slow down on the water changes, fish tanks are supposed to be used for relaxation purposes, yours sounds like a part-time job!!