Ammonia Levels

Question
Hello I have had a 10Gallon tank with 2 Glofish and I cant get the ammonia levels down. I have tried a number of things. I have a 5-10 gallon tank filter, have tried Aquarium Salt, ammonia remover packets that go in the filter, even tried the liquid ammonia remover and all have failed and my ammonia levels are still at 6.0 according to my test kit. I have tried all the local pet places have said and no luck so im turning to someone elses that may know how to help.

Quick Specs:
Tank: 10 Gallon
Set up: 3-4 Months
Filter: Aqua-Tech #1 (for 5-15 Gallon Tank)
Fish: 2 Glo Fish
Other:
*Gravel Filter with 2 Bubbling rocks
*Tank gets %20 water change every 2 weeks +Safe Coat added when changing
*Filter chartrige is changed and filter plastic parts cleaned every month

Answer
Hi Steven

First, you'll need to add a hang on back power filter to your tank. Gravel filters are not sufficient by themselves. For a 10 gallon, a Penguin 100B would work. You can get one of these at Petsmart or Petco for about $25.

Next, you should be doing 25% water changes every week, not 20% every two weeks. Also, add nothing to your tank other than water conditioner such as StressCoat or AquaSafe. Chemicals that claim to reduce ammonia simply don't work. You can add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt to help ease the stress on the fish, but no chemicals. Also, when doing your 25% water changes, make sure you siphon the gravel to remove excess food particles and fish waste. Again, gravel filters will not remove all of these toxins.

At this time, I would do about a 30% water change and add the power filter, siphoning the gravel as I mentioned. Also, change the cartridges again on your gravel filter. You may see slightly cloudy water until the new filter gets established, then it should clear up and your ammonia levels come down. During this time, I would do 25% water changes once a week, then a 10% water change about mid week.

I hope this helps, let me know if I can be of further assistance. Good luck!

Richard