high ammonia levels

Question
i have a 45 gal pentagon with a bio wheel  marineland penguin 200 filter a pacu silver dollar cory catfish  rainbow shark electus shark  black striped convict the tank has been up and running since 11/17/11 i do water changes once a week and my ammonia levels are high ive used live bact  what can i do to get the ammonia to go down  ifeed once every other day

Answer
Hi Elliott,
The best way to get ammonia levels down fast and effectively is to do large water changes. When you have a tank with high waste producing fish like your pacu, waste levels build up faster than you realize. And it sounds like your aquarium has still not established or cycling fully. I don't believe it has been enough time.

The best way to get rid of ammonia is to do daily 50% water changes on the tank. Your fish will appreciate it. And it won't hurt the cycling process.

Water changes are always the best and least harmful treatment anytime you have a water quality problem or your fish just otherwise seem unwell.

I hope this helps and best of luck!
Happy New Year,
Susan~