Poly--filter

Question
QUESTION: Michael

I wanted to ask you if you know anything about Poly-Bio-Filters?  made by Poly Bio Marine Inc......its a sponge that go in the filters its suppose to take out ammonia, etc,(having ammonia probs) it turns color as it pulls out the ammonia etc  I tried one for one day and it turned pink-red on the directions it said it would turn green when it pulls ammonia. It said red pulls out iron.   So I took it out. I dont want to use anything(bio filter) that may affect the ph, or water conditions,  not sure if it will.

thanks Fran


ANSWER: Fran,
frankly I am not familiar with this filter, I am however familiar with the concept.
Anything that takes something out will put it back if it becomes saturated with the substance.
The "remover" inserts are at best a temporary fix for problems
there is no substitute for an established biofilter.
In a pinch they can help if used properly but they are not a fix or a cure all.
If you have too much ammonia your tank is not cycled yet, or if it is the biofilter cannot process the load.
A water change will help about 10%.
Let the tank cycle and you will be fine

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

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick reply.

Id like to find out why I have ammonia probs.

I have a 75 gallon(looking for a 100-120 gal) with 2 oscars (9in long) 6 yrs old.  My tank is established.  Cascade canister and Aqua Clear(100) filter.  A pump.   Occasionally.   I do weekly 20-25 water changes. Ph is 6.2-6.4. Im told on "Experts" oscars like low ph.  nitrates and nitrites are ok.  Temp is 80-82.   I have well water with a water softener.   

I did do 5 water changes this week (25 sun, mon and wed and a 30 iday, 25 sat)it is still at about .25-50. I added zeolite this week.  

I feed them once a day and remove what is left which is not much.  The only thing I can think of is that I like to decorate the tank every season since I'm in the No. East...so I have been taking out rocks from the bottom, (way too many) and adding plants and pet store driftwood, and taking out some that have been there for awhile and adding new plastic plants, decorations, etc. And removed a carbon filter.  (did I lose good bacteria)>? Yes I do gravel vacuum every change.  Sometimes I see pink fuzzie things floating, when i vacuum.

thanks

Answer
driftwood can cause some of the trouble, wild rocks can cause some, and large oscars can cause plenty on their own.
I still have a sneaky feeling that the gravel is the culprit here.
perhaps a deep cleaning is in order...the low pH says there are excessive organics from somewhere.
try a real deep gravel cleaning and see if that makes a difference.
let me know how it works out