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My 10 gal tank has had a crazy increase in the ammonia over the last week.
No food was added to the tank all over the last week.
The tank only has 6 false juliu cories in it. and snails grrrr.
I added some ammo block last week end, to prevent harm. I was away all week so the lights came on and off but no food was added.
the ammonia was high. I took out nearly 7 gals this morning and did some gravel vac as well. I added 5 gals of water from my 55 gal tank then topped off with some treated water, now the ammonia is higher. grrrr
I do not get it? what is up? I will post test result in a while.

What about your filter more info please. Is there any thing dead in the tank plants etc.

When and how did you clean the filter? Also when did you do a good deep vac?

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Keith

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As for explanation, it's possible that your snails are dying off... also possible that the ammo block is causing a false reading on your ammonia test.

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Your ammolock product is a product that neutralizes the ammonia, and turns it into a safe and less toxic compound that is used by plants. Now, if you are using this, it will mess up the ammonia readings because the test kits will be messed up by the compound, as they detect it as ammonia in its lethal-to-fish form. That would explain the rise, and possibly the source of the suspected ammonia. Also, only gravel vac 1/4 of the tank at a time. That will allow the bacterial colonies to thrive.

I suggest you add a lot of fast growing plants to absorb this compound, and also try not to use it if ammonia is low. The bacterial colonies will starve, and it might lead to a cycle of ammonia, nitrite, etc.. The bacteria will take care of the ammonia problem, and if it persists, then you tank is too overstocked. Take some snails out by hand. This will make a whole lot of a difference!

Finnaly, check the water supply. It might contain some ammonia in it already. If it does, do not worry. The bacteria will take care of it right away. Just be sure that you have some live plants to absorb the nitrAtes.

Good Luck!

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I have two filters running. one HOB, one canister.
this tank has been running fine for almost six months, with regular water changes etc. So this last week is a surprise. I did a filter rinse in old tank water three weeks ago.

Re reading your question and you last reply. I can only think of two things the snails (what caused it suddenly) or the water supply when did you have that checked. Take a tank and supply sample to your LFS and get a full test done.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

well test results this morning.
ph 6.4 never had areading this low or even below 7 before
temp 76 F
nitrite 0.25 have not had a reading in months
nitrate 20 much higher than normal
ammonia 0.4 or higher
the water became cloudy this mornig so I transfered the cories to the big tank for their safety.

If you can master the dreaded 10 gallon tank, then you can do anything! Hang in there, and remember that it is much easier to keep a large tank. The advice that everyone has given you is spot on. Good luck

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