I've have a 55 gallon fishtank I got 3 weeks ago. We have been adding fish once a week. (I know now that was a big mistake) A few days ago, a couple of my fish got sick (loss of appetite, color loss, staying at the top of the tank, etc). One fish has died but 2 are still sick. After researching I realized it was ammonia and nitrite poisoning. Yesterday was the first time I tested my water. The ammonia was off the charts, past 7.5. My nitrite level is 0.2. Yesterday we did a 25% water change. I also put in those ammonia tablets and something called "bio spira" which is nitrifying bacteria. Today my ammonia is 5.0 and nitrite is still 0.2. I was told to do 10% water changes every day until it get better. I would like to know if I am on the right track and how long it will take for my ammonia and nitrite to reach zero. Also if there is anything else I can do to speed up this process...

May I suggest adding a little stress coat. It couldent hurt. Sounds like you are doing the right thing. It takes time to correct this prob. Please do not add aditional fish until this prob is corrected.

It sounds like u aredoing the right thing but if this is a continuouse problem I would sudgest getting a amonia cartrdge for your filter

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NatalieP

I've have a 55 gallon fishtank I got 3 weeks ago. We have been adding fish once a week. (I know now that was a big mistake) A few days ago, a couple of my fish got sick (loss of appetite, color loss, staying at the top of the tank, etc). One fish has died but 2 are still sick. After researching I realized it was ammonia and nitrite poisoning. Yesterday was the first time I tested my water. The ammonia was off the charts, past 7.5. My nitrite level is 0.2. Yesterday we did a 25% water change. I also put in those ammonia tablets and something called "bio spira" which is nitrifying bacteria. Today my ammonia is 5.0 and nitrite is still 0.2. I was told to do 10% water changes every day until it get better. I would like to know if I am on the right track and how long it will take for my ammonia and nitrite to reach zero. Also if there is anything else I can do to speed up this process...

---

Thanks for the advice. The ammonia is still 5.0 today but at least it isn't getting worse. Hope my fish survive.. Thanks for your replies.

The Bio Spira should have your tank under control within a few days.
Since you've added the Bio Spira, I'd follow the instructions on the labeling.
I don't believe it calls for water changes everyday as doing so would be removing
The bacteria you added before it has a chance to colonize.
Check to see what the labeling says about water changes.

Now you said they were sick?
Ammonia and nitrite will poison a fish and if they live they'll recuperate and be just fine,
But sometimes due to the stress of the poisoning
It often causes disease outbreaks that will need to be treated with medication to cure.

What you described your fish doing does sound like poisoning... just try to keep an eye
On them for other signs or symptoms.

You're doing everything right! And I commend you for spending the extra buck on
Nitrifying bacteria so that your fish would not have to go through/feel the full effects of cycling an aquarium.:)