Hi

[Hucks]

Hi everyone, i am fairly new to this. i have just changed over my freshwater tank. I have 5 tropical fish 3 wag tail platys and 2 red eye tetras. since changing over i have lost 3 fish . I know my new tank will still be cycling ( how long will this take?) I have a full test kit for my water levels are ok apart from ammonia which is to high ranging between 2 and 4ppm any ideas how to reduce this as i dont want to lose any more fish if i can help it.

[tetrakid]

Hi Hucks, good to see you here.. And happy new year to you.

Good to know you also have platies. I am into wag tails but blue wags are rare here, though red wags are available. But where we are, few people keep platies as pets, as it is more commonly used as fish feed.

Tank cycling takes time, weeks and weeks, and months. In the meantime, above everything else, it is most important to ensure maximum oxygenation of the water, as ALL life in the tank depends on it. This is best done by ensuring continuous good surface agitation. Make sure your filter water outlet is at the water surface and pushing the water laterally over a large surface area, thus causing agitating action.

You can control the ammonium level by means of frequent small water changes, but not too much as to upset the water's development. Such small water changes will ensure that the toxicity level is kept somewhat under control. Reduced toxicity is a comfort to fish, while increased toxicity is deadly for them. Hope this helps.

[Jino]

Welcome to AQ