How can I get rid of ammonia in my fish tank?

I have two goldfish in my tetra tank, which I am told are the problem. I have done water changes, added "Ammonia-lock", reduced feedings, everything I can think of. I still can't get the ammonia level down, and my tetra's are all dying!

I can't just kill the goldfish, but I'm not liking them right now. Help! Asked by JZRed 53 months ago Similar Questions: rid ammonia fish tank Recent Questions About: rid ammonia fish tank Pets > Fish.

Similar Questions: rid ammonia fish tank Recent Questions About: rid ammonia fish tank.

You should typically follow the rule of 1" of fish per gallon, but that's only if you have adequate filtration. You should have a filter that is specified for the size of tank you have. That will do for the tetras.

Now onto the goldfish - they're different. You should have 10g of water (more preferably 20g, though) for each goldfish - ALONE! On top of that you should have DOUBLE the filtration - meaning if you have a 20g tank with 2 goldfish you should have two 20g rated filters, or one 40g (one 40g is usually bad though because it moves the water too much which stresses out the fish).

After that you need to wait for the tank to cycle - that's where nitrite builds up to eat the ammonia, and then nitrate builds up to eat the nitrite. You should get to the point where you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and then 5ppm or less of nitrate. If it goes above 5, change the water.

If you CAN'T get the ammonia to drop and nitrite to rise, add another filter. That usually helps by adding more space for the good bacteria to live. If that still doesn't work, then your tank is overstocked and you'll need to remove fish.

Sources: My knowledge .

Goldfish and tetras Obviously someone has already told you that the problem has arisen because you added the goldfish to your tetra tank. You need to make a decision here--do you want a tropical (warm water) tank with tetras or do you want a cold water goldfish tank? They are not compatible.

You can continue to do water changes (from the bottom); if you are making your own filter cartridges (or have the kind you can take apart) you can add the anti-ammonia crystals to the charcoal; and you can put the chemicals in that kill ammonia. But the problem will continue until you decide which fish you want. Perhaps the pet store will take the goldfish back when you explain the problem, or help you find a home for them.

Or you could set up a second tank for them--a 20 gallon at least, since goldfish, contrary to popular belief, need at least 10 gallons of water each. Sources: used to work in a pet store MissBert's Recommendations Ammonia Test Kit - Freshwater Saltwater - 25 Strips Amazon List Price: $19.02 Amquel - 16 oz. Amazon List Price: $14.32 Aqua Clear 150 Step 3: Amrid Ammonia Remover Amazon List Price: $4.22 Aqua Clear Mini Step 3: Amrid Ammonia Remover (Tanks Up To 20 Gallons) Amazon List Price: $2.59 .

Goldfish are ammonia producers! You really need to separate the types of fish in this instance. The goldfish should be in another tank altogether.

Or, if you have a pond, they can be outside. They are marvelous at not dying! The tetras, on the other hand, are rather sensitive fish and I have lost some, from time to time, simply being a little rough with my water exchanges (pouring the new water in too fast and maybe a little too cold).

Tetras die easily. Goldfish live forever. Well, almost.... But goldfish are known to be high ammonia producers, so best you separate your fish.

What to do with the tetras I would highly suggest you keep a 'hospital tank' set up at all times if you are serious about your fish. Move the fish that are suffering/stressed to the hospital tank. If you are just deciding to now setup a hospital tank, use a small tank like 5-gallon or 10-gallon (depending on how many fish you'll need to put in the tank) don't fill with completely new water, but fill the tank about halfway with water from the existing tank then add some fresh water first treated with chloride remover.

After 2-3 days do an ammonia test on the hospital tank and ,if still high, do a 1/3 water change for the hospital tank. Repeat process every 3 days until ammonia level is in acceptable range. Would also add a product designed for stressed fish.

From what I recall reading, goldfish put off an extremely large amount of ammonia, so it sounds like you'll need to keep these two species separate. Once you get the problem solved and if you want to keep your goldfish, why not setup a small tank and just keep them in that tank solely? Good luck!

Sources: personal experiece operating 5 aquariums and various fish species .

1 SickNSleepy, regarding your answer "There are some steps you need to take":I had no idea Goldfish need that much tank space! My son won them at a carnival, and I thought it would be fine to put them in with my other fish. I lost another fish last night, so I have to get rid of them.

It is a 12 gallon nano-cube tank, by the way. Thanks so much for the info! .

SickNSleepy, regarding your answer "There are some steps you need to take":I had no idea Goldfish need that much tank space! My son won them at a carnival, and I thought it would be fine to put them in with my other fish. I lost another fish last night, so I have to get rid of them.

It is a 12 gallon nano-cube tank, by the way. Thanks so much for the info!

" "Leaking fish tank...help! " "Can you keep betta fish or paradise fish in a coldwater tank? " "Fish/turtle tank?

! " "Need help with my daughter's fish tank! " "How can gnats be removed from a freshwater fish tank?

" " I am having a massive problem with ammonia in my tropical fish tank and I really need some help. " "How do I get ick out of my fish tank? All of our fish died and I want to treat it before we get new fish.

And ideas?

Still setting up my fish tank very slowly..

I am having a massive problem with ammonia in my tropical fish tank and I really need some help.

All of our fish died and I want to treat it before we get new fish. And ideas?

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.