Fish tank issues

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I have a couple of questions regarding my freshwater tank set-up.

1)   I have a 160L(42 gallons) tank, with an above tank filter system (79gallons/hour).There are sponges that filter. It is about 7 months old now.
2)   There are live plants, 2 pieces of driftwood, substrate.
3)   I have 6 discus (1 adult, 5 juveniles), 4 cory catfish, 10 Rummy nose tetras, 8 Cardinal tetras and  an apple snail.
4)   Water parameters are 30 degrees C ( 86 Fahrenheit), pH 6.2. GH 80, KH 20. Usually change 25% water per 1-2 weeks.  

My current problem is that I have recently added the adult discus and started them on a high protein diet (blood worms and beefheart). There were some trace readings of ammonium ~ 0.25ppm, nitrite 0ppm and nitrate 40ppm. I did a few water changes,  cut back on feedings , added more filter media (from the local pet store's tank) and started adding a liquid bacteria product. The ammonium readings have continued to fluctuate between 0.5 and 0.2ppm. At my last water change, I stirred up the gravel a bit and changed about 30%. I always use a gravel vacuum.  I do water changes with dechlorinated tap water. I have recently found that it is pH 7.6 out of the tap and contains between 0.2 to 0.5ppm ammonium.    

What is the best thing I can do about this continual level of ammonium? At the moment the fish are ok, feeding well, good colour etc. but I would like to increase the number of meals (currently 1x/day) and make sure they are not stunted or stressed.

Marcus

ANSWER: Hi Marcus,
While it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your fish already. It would be very beneficial if the discus could have more frequent water changes. They absolutely thrive on clean water. And switching to 2-3 times a week would be ideal.

The different feeding you have been doing might be part of the reason for the ammonia traces. Or its also possible your tap water is responsible for the ammonia levels. What sometimes happens with your source water is water companies add chlorine and chloramines. The chloramines are broken down by most water conditioners, but it leaves ammonia which was originally bound with the chlorine to make chloramine. So you are left with ammonia present even in completely fresh water. In this case, it's probably best to use a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia as well as chlorine and chloramines. This should help your circumstance.

Amquel+, Prime, and Aquasafe are three water conditioners I know of that remove ammonia and should resolve your problem safely and efficiently.

Best of luck!
Karen~

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

QUESTION: Hi Karen,
Thanks for your reply. That makes a lot of sense. Do products such as prime "neutralize" ammonia into the less toxic ammonium or does it completely remove it. If so, when I test my water will it still show up an ammonium reading if it is not NH3/NH4 specific? And what tends to happen to it in the aquarium?

Thanks

Marcus

Answer
Hi Marcus,
The ammonia may show up still on your tests but it may not 'really' be there. I'm not sure what test kit reagents Prime is compatible with (and avoids false readings) but the label should say for sure.

I'm not sure of the exact technical workings of prime's ability to neutralize ammonia but I do know it contains a binder that renders ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate non-toxic form and can be removed by your biofilter.

Have a good weekend!
I hope this helps!
Karen~