cycling goldfish tank

Question
Hello,

    I have two baby ryukins (about 2.5 inches each) in my 20 gallon tank.  I have had this tank running for about 5 1/2 weeks and am starting to worry about the health of my fish. Because I have constant ammonia readings of .5-1, depending on last water change, I am constantly changing 10-15% of the water daily.  Even though I have heard this can prolong the cycle, I would rather do that than lose my fishies. I have never once had a nitrite or nitrate reading thought and I fear that my fish are starting to suffer from their prolonged exposure to ammonia.  They frequently sit at the top of the tank and one of them has slight red streaking in the fins.  On occasion I will catch one of them laying on the bottom of the tank but will perk up the second he sees me.  Both are eating well and seem "ok" for now.  I just don't know what to do about the cycle.  I use prime for my dechlorinator to help with the ammonia but should I cut back on water changes? I feel like the longer they are being exposed to the high ammonia levels the worse off they are going to be.  I have an aquaclear filter that is for the next size tank so my tank is pretty clean, it's just the ammonia.

Sorry this is so long...I've just gotten so attached to my buddies and hate to see them suffering.  Any advice you can give me will be great.  I'm trying to be patient, it's just hard when I see them top sitting looking for clean air :(

Thanks in advance,
Jessica

Answer
Hi Jessica,
Ammonia at any level is never good for any fish as you know. The best thing you can do is pretty much what you are already doing. But you may need to do larger percentages (like 30-50%)water changes to have an effect on the ammonia. Water changes may slow the cycling process a bit, but it really won't do any harm and it is very important when your fish are suffering. You might also want to use a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia like Amquel+ or Prime. But keep in mind these water conditioners might produce false readings on your test kit, check the label and see what they are compatible with. Most will say.

Do this routine until you are certain your fish are doing OK and the tank is cycled...which may take some more time since it is relatively a new setup.

You might want to check this website out for more helpful goldfish info-

www.thegab.org

Best wishes,
Karen~