Amonia High Level

Question
QUESTION: Hello Stephanie I sent you a question yesterday regarding my ammonia level. The gist of the question was I have started a new tank 5ft it has been running since early January also I let it run for two weeks empty then I added my big fish MY PH is 8.0 and Ammonia level is 7.5 fish seem quite happy I have done 2 partial water changes the most recent was yesterday and also put a dose of Cycle into the Filters.  I tested water this morning but it is the same can you please tell me what to do next.  The reason I am asking question again is that I clicked the wrong key to save original question and also what is a zip box.  I am sorry to bother you again but I am getting desperate. Also how long roughly does it take for bacteria to kick in.

Jenny




ANSWER: Dear Jenny,

  An ammonia level of 7.5 is very high.  if the fish are doing good, I would suggest trying a different test kit.  You can also take it to your local fish store and they will test it for you.  Just make sure that reading is right.  If this is right, then I would suggest not adding any more fish right now.  Keep doing water changes.  Bacteria takes about 2-3 weeks to begin forming.  
 A PH of 8.0 is also high.  You might try lowering that also.  
A zip box?  I do not know, sorry.  Have you tryed live plants?  This will help to stabalize your tank as well.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply it was very helpful I did take a sample of water to fish store they tested it and came up the same I have kept tanks for years and never had this problem before I starved fish last night and fed them sparingly tonight I will do another water change tomorrow and see what happens.  There is two other things maybe you can help me with please The Cycle which I put straight in filters last night, would you say I can put another dose in water tomorrow it does say every seven days and you cant overdose the fish do you think it would harm them IF I put some more in?  Also I put water straight from the tap in a bucket treat it with Aqua Safe to take out Chlorine both hot and cold mixed together but I did test PH and Ammonia without Aqua Safe and the PH reading was 6.5 and Ammonia lower 4.9. Also this new tank has only got live plants with a couple of plastic.  Thank you for your comments I will persevere.

Jenny

Answer
I only use a chemical to take out the cholorine, but I don't have experience with the other that you mentioned.  It should not overdose the fish, but mixed chemicals might be what is raising your PH.  You might try a water change and not use any chemicals. I actaully do some without taking out the cholorine.  As long as its not over half the tank then it won't hurt the fish.  Try that and see if it helps.