Ammonia in Betta tank.

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a Betta fish in a 10 gallon tank. A few weeks ago I added two mollies. However,Betta didn't like them, and I gave them to a friend.  After that I have been fighting with the ammonia level. Daryl told me to use AmQuel, and I did. I also used Maracyn because Betta has tail rot. After adding AmQuel the ammonia level was fine; however, when I changed the water after the Maracyn treatment it rise again. I added AmQuel again; however the ammonia test shows me that there is still ammonia in the tank. Betta's tail is getting bad and I am using Melafix now. I also have a product to increase good bacteria, but I haven't use it. Betta is big and has always been healthy. We love him and don't want to loose him because our mistakes.  I don't understand why the tank has ammonia. I have make several partial water changes after taking out the mollies. Betta is alone in a 10 gallon tank and has a filter. I am also worried because I feel smell in the water after adding the AmQuel. What should I do?

ANSWER: Maria,

How much uneaten food is in the tank and how much waste from the fish is hiding in those rocks? This may be the cause of the ammonia level in your tank. I recommend getting a gravel siphoner from your local pet store. These get out a lot of the unseen junk from the gravel itself that water changes alone won't. Siphon the gravel until about 25%-50% of your water has gone out of the tank (You'll need a decent sized bucket for this too. Also, check the filter cartridge - if it's too dirty, it'll probably need replacing because it isn't filtering the water properly.

Ammonia in the tank can cause fin damage and this is most likely the case of why your Betta can't seem to get better.

For now I recommend putting your Betta in a hospital tank and treating him in fresh water. It should help. Also, in the hospital tank add some Aquarium Salt, this will help boost his immune system and help the disease recovery.

I hope this helps ^.^

-Bethany



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for you answer. I already have a gravel siphon, and I have used it very carefully. That is why I am so surprised about the ammonia. However, I don't have a second tank since Betta is the only fish I have. Should I buy those tanks like big bowls that pet stores sell and put Betta there? In that case, what should I do to that tank's water? What should I do with the actual tank? Partial water changes? Sorry for asking everything, but I don't want to make a mistake which may cause a damage to Betta.

Answer
Normally I wouldn't recommend this - but it sounds like it's time for a 75-90% water change in the 10 gallon tank. I do recommend, since it it just a Betta temporary tank, to get a large bowl from the pet store to use as a hospital tank for the Betta. Let the water get to room temperature, add some gravel, some water conditioner, and then clean and allow your 10 gallon tank to run for 2-3 days before adding the Betta again. If this doesn't work, message me again and we'll figure something else out. ^.^

-Bethany