[villanueva]

Hey, some quick help would be MUCH appreciated.

I went away for a week, and I had my friend look after my tank. I think he may have overfed and now the ammonia level is at 2ppm.....ya....

What's the best way to rapidly lower this.

I have a 55g tank. Should I just go for a straight up water change? and if so, how much?

Thanks.

[scubadude]

I would make sure something hasnt died b4 I did about a 25% w/c

[SouthBayPhoto]

Originally Posted by villanueva

I went away for a week, and I had my friend look after my tank.

Unfortunately, mistake #1 Especially if they don't have any experience. Unless it's an extreme emergency of me having to leave RIGHT NOW, I will bring a friend in for a couple of days a week to show them how I feed them and how much to feed. I also "portion" out the food for them and give them a list/schedule on what to feed. This way I know everything is right and all they basically have to do is put it in the tank (for the most part). This might help you next time.

I agree with Rocky and I would check to make sure everything is accounted for in the tank first. Seems like a pretty high ppm of Ammonia for just overfeeding. Not saying that can't be it...but usually when it's a spike like that, something is decaying somewhere (besides the food).

If that's not then, then I would do a 25% water change and hope for the best and keep monitoring the ammonia.

[villanueva]

There have been some fatalities. But I pulled all of those out not too long after they died. Certainly before they had a chance to decay and contaminate the water.

But with ammonia isn't it mostly the fish and livestock who suffer. Because I've lost a few shrimp, but my fish are acting fine. The coral have definitely taken the hugest hit. They look like they're dead; but my nitrate's been at 0, leading me to think they're still alive (is that a good way to judge?).

Another thing, I woke up yesterday and the tank was incredibly cloudy. What could that have been? Any ideas given the situation that the tank's been in?

Thanks for the replies, and I'd appreciate some more help.

[chaoslord1981]

I would whack some ammolock in to your tank whichs turns ammonia into a non toxic form and then add either safe start or some bactinettes which reduces dangerous ammonia and nitrite levels.. i had same problem.. first did 25% water change then added ammolock and bactinettes... water now tests perfect..

[chaoslord1981]

works nearly all the time.. in some cases it took 3 or 4 water changes every fortnight and keep adding ammolock, problem then cleared up pretty quick

[chaoslord1981]

not my tank in picture above... on e i helped treat...