Amonia

Question
QUESTION: I have had a 55 gallon freshwater tank for about a year. I perform a 1/4 tank change about once every 1-2 weeks. I recently had an algae problem and took the uptake tubes from my under-gravel system up to clean them. I now have a very strange amonia problem. I have done 2 1/5 tank changes in the past 3 days and the amonia test gets worse each time.
I know that pulling the tubes from the UG system probably released bacteria, but why is it getting worse as I clean? I've only lost one large parrot so far, but I'm afraid I'll loose the tank if I can't resolve.

Thanks so much
Sydna

ANSWER: Sydna:  You need to clean the gravel with a gravel vacuum and change about 30% of the water.  Add beneficial bacteria when you are done.  The loss of bacteria has unbalanced the ratio of your tank between bacteria and bio-load (fish poop, fish food) which has resulted in decomposition which releases ammonia... Do not worry so much about algae but instead worry more about what is in the gravel.  Algae can be a good thing in your tank if it is kept under control.  What is the ammonia and other chemistry values when you test your water???  keep me posted... dave

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

QUESTION: Dave,
Thanks so much...I guess this is why I flunked Chemistry! As much as I study the relationship between Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, etc...I just can't seem to "get it". Although this is the first time in 2 years I have created a problem. Still not sure what to do if ammonia levels go off the charts and don't get better with tank changes? I guess I thought I was killing ,my fish with ammonia, when I was actually removing the good bacteria?
I got something called Dr Tims Nitrifying Bacteria. Are you familiar with this? Directions (for a novice like me) are confusing. It says for aquariums up to 30 gallons, "minimum" dose 2 capfuls per 10 gallons, best to use entire contents (wich is more than the dose for a 55 gal) and cannot be overdosed! Does this mean I can throw in as much as I want for a 55 gal? or Do Not Overdose, or Do not use in tanks over 30 gallons?

Wow..words are amazing, aren't they?

Thanks for your help...I'll keep you posted.

Crazycatfishlady

Answer
Hi Sydna:  You can  not really add too much bacteria as it will self regulate. However, I would not add more then twice the recommended dosage for your tank... Read up on the Nitrogen cycle... it will help you to understand about the water chemistry.  Ammonia is a byproduct of decomposition... so if there is too much stuff in your tank for the beneficial bacteria to handle then you get ammonia.  The beneficial bacteria has the job of consuming all that waste before it begins to decompose.  The fact that you have ammonia is a good indication that you do not have enough bacteria to handle the waste load of your tank.  So you have two choices... add more bacteria or clean your tank... I would almost always recommend doing both.  dave