Eclipse 12 with Poor Water Quality

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nicole,

I'm having problems with my 4 week old Eclipse 12 system (12 gallon freshwater, 150 GPH, BIO-Wheel plus filter).

I have been using Cycle every week to help set up the biological filter.  In addition, I was using API Tap Water Conditioner.  I do a partial water change (15%) every week, filter change every 2 weeks.  I now have 1 small black moor in the tank (the other one died a couple of days ago from the ammonia).  My ammonia started spiking, which I figured was from the tank cycling, so I started doing daily partial water changes to keep it under control.  After a week, it wasn't making a difference (and my other baby black moor died), so I tested my tap water and then the treated tap water.  Of course, my tap water was high in ammonia and the tap water conditioner didn't handle ammonia.

I researched and found out that Prime handles this type of situation.  So I bought the Prime, treated my standing water and verified that it cleaned everything (ammonia = 0 ppm).  I then added Prime to the tank to get the ammonia down.  Of course, it converts the ammonia from free to non-toxic, so I'm still getting readings.  I ordered the test kit that shows free vs. non-toxic, but I don't have it yet (neither do 3 aquarium stores around here!)  They did have a monitor that you stick in the tank that only registers toxic ammonia, so I've been watching that (which is showing that it's safe).

Now all of a sudden, I have white cloudy water, which I'm assuming is bacteria bloom since I'm in the late stages of cycling and just converted a bunch of ammonia from toxic to non-toxic.

I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing by Mr. Wiggles, he looks OK, but I can't stand to lose another!

I did a partial water change this morning (25%) with Prime-conditioned water and changed the filter (rinsed in tank water).  My readings are still off:

Nitrate:  20
Nitrite:  1 (higher than normal)
Hardness:  300
Chlorine:  0
Alkalinity:  180
Acidic:  6.2 (typically in the 7.2 range)
Ammonia:  2 ppm (monitor in tank showing safe readings)

Can you please provide some guidance?  Just when I feel like I've found the problem, another one crops up.  I love having the tank and want to do the right thing.

Thanks for your help!

Janine

ANSWER: Hi Janine,

I'm really glad you switched to Prime...I do not like the API Water Conditioner, because what it says on the back is that it "breaks the chloramine bond" (at least, that's what I remember when I saw it in the pet store a few years ago) and this, as far as I understand, means that it converts chloramine into chlorine and ammonia. This is NOT what we expect dechlorinators to do! Prime says it does all the right things, detoxifies heavy metals, and most importantly, detoxifies chlorine AND chloramine. It can also be used to help with ammonia spikes, as you said, by doubling the dose. However, this is only a temporary solution.

What you should do, is make some water changes - big ones! A gravel vacuum is going to make this job a whole lot easier, ditto if you can just let the water siphon out a door or window instead of having to lug a container of waste water and flush it or dump it outside. So anyhow, if you don't have a gravel vac, get one - it makes life much simpler!

I would recommend that you change about 50% of the water every day for another week or two. Cycle is not really too effective, none of those dry goods bacterial products are, in my reading and experience. Refrigerated Bio-Spira (by Marineland, the same makers of your Eclipse kit) is a *true* instant cycling product, so you may consider looking into that, but it's going to run you about $20. It's pricey, but it does work! It can be purchased online, too, just Google that and you'll find a list of online vendors.

50% water changes daily (even if that means you change 3 gallons in the morning, 3 gallons in the evening) should dilute the ammonia, keeping the water parameters fairly safe, and it will not interfere with your cycling. I know that sounds like a lot of water to change, but do your best, since it's these water changes that are going to keep your pet comfortable, and will keep him from getting things like fin rot, ammonia burn...common "new tank syndrome" ailments.

Is Mr. Wiggles a black moor? This is a fantastic site on goldfish, so check it out when you can:
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com

I hope that helps, take care! And happy new year!
Nicole

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

QUESTION: Thanks Nicole.

Mr. Wiggles is a black moor, very sweet and a big flirt!  We just did another 25% water change and we'll have to split them.  I keep two 2g jugs of water made up so they can be treated and then sit at least 24 hours.  I tested the water that I made up this morning with the Prime at it was .5 ppm ammonia.  However, the tank is now reading 4 ppm ammonia (but again, the ammonia meter is still showing safe, so I'm assuming that it's the non-toxic variety).

I guess it's safe to assume as long as the treated water has less than the tank water, it's good to use, even if I have to make it up for immediate use (instead of letting it sit)?

Also, can the bacteria bloom hurt Mr. Wiggles?  What about the non-toxic ammonia?

Since we are obviously already into cycling, should I still add the Bio-Spira?  How long will it take to get through this and when will I know the tank is fully cycled?

Once everything is stable, Mr. Wiggles wants a small playmate (he likes to play!)  I want to be able to tell when it's safe to get him one.

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it!  Happy New Year to you as well...

Janine

Answer
Hi Janine,

Black moors are really adorable! I've always wanted to have a goldfish, but they are rather demanding...and I really don't have a tank to spare, with 5 busy aquariums already. I do have a 12 gallon Eclipse tank myself (except the hood and filter are gone from it, I prefer to use different equipment) and have thought about keeping a goldfish in there, but really, I know that if I keep him/her well that it'll outgrow that tank eventually, and then I will be in the same situation that I was in before!

You see, goldfish are deep-bodied, messy fish, and as they get older, will really stretch the limits of your small aquarium. You're absolutely right that he would like a friend, but if you are serious about this, I would start saving up for a bigger tank - maybe you can keep the 12 gallon as a small tropical community tank, fish that won't produce much waste and will thrive in that much water.

Just a caveat, because I know how little he looks right now, but believe me, you'll see why goldfish have such reputations! They just produce so much waste for their size, a single goldfish should really have a 20 gallon tank, maybe two in a 29 gallon tank at the most. Strong filtration is also a must down the line, because fancy goldfish need clean water to stay healthy, and the average filter cannot keep up. You either need to double up, with say, 2 filters rated for 20 gallons each, or get a bigger filter than the tank seems to need. Goldfish appreciate every bit of extra filtration you can give them, it helps keep the water looking and smelling good, as well as healthy for them.

Which is to say, the Eclipse 12 filtration system is rather weak...and those cartridges get expensive, but any other kind of filter media is difficult to incorporate. I prefer to use hang-on back filters and then stuff them with biological and mechanical media - foam sponges and ceramic filters - because these just need a rinse in dechlorinated water, and that way there is not anything that needs costly replacement. I do love the way the system looks, but as they say, form follows function, and this aquarium is not as functional as standard aquariums in similar price ranges.

Sorry, didn't meant to bum you out too much! I just thought I should warn you, it can be difficult to keep balanced. Mine sits empty just for that reason, although it makes a fine hospital or quarantine tank. Enjoy it as long as you like, but just maybe aspire to something bigger and better, especially if your dream is to keep two goldfishes!

That being said, you could try keeping little fish in with Mr. Wiggles. White cloud mountain minnows are fast and add very little to the waste load on the tank. They don't mind the cold water either, these fish don't need heaters. Some people also like getting those big apple snails for their goldfish tanks, or a bristlenose plecostomus. You can read more about goldfishes and tankmates at the link below:
http://www.goldfishparadise.com/info/tankmate.php

As far as the non-toxic ammonia goes, I'm not so sure about this. Wait until your test kit arrives to make absolutely sure, but I personally would be freaking out if my aquarium water tested 4 ppm for ammonia...but if Mr. Wiggles looks happy and is eating well, not listless, then all is probably well! Besides, you're already doing the water changes, which is the best you can do. I personally, would not wish to dish out the $20 (or $40 if you order online, since it has to be overnighted) for the Bio-Spira. I believe your tank will cycle on its own, it just needs help from you to keep things stable for a while. One very nice thing about Marineland filtration products is that they come with a Bio-Wheel. Aa you probably know, you should just leave this attachment alone - it doesn't need anything except a rinse every few months, in aquarium water or dechlorinated water. This is just to keep the slats from getting too cruddy and slowing down the movement of the wheel, so no big concern...

I'm surprised your tap water tests positive for ammonia. Here in Florida where I live, ammonia in the water is a big deal...the result of agricultural runoff, usually, and those who are in such circumstances usually have some kind of drinking water filter in place. Prime will definitely help detoxify the ammonia, but still, it is discouraging that the water that you are using for your water changes isn't free of ammonia from the start.

Any kind of bacterial bloom can hurt the fish, but the only thing you can do is what you are doing already - water changes! Hopefully, things will settle down on their own. Those carbon filters that come with the Eclipse (which get dirty really fast, by the way, so to give them some extra life, rinse them weekly in waste water from the aquarium) will help clear up the cloudiness, if that's what you are seeing. Don't bother with things like Zeolite, or water clarifiers, since these products do not apply to your situation and will not help, and may even harm.

You will know the tank is fully cycled when a water test kit (either the liquid or strip kind) registers nitrate (with an A) and does NOT register ammonia or nitrite (with an I) any longer. Think of it like this...NitrIte = Incomplete, the tank isn't done cycling. NitrAte = A-OK! Ammonia spikes can still occur of course, if you overfeed or overstock...but granted you are doing everything right, a cycled, established tank, never registers ammonia or nitrite.

Cycling can take a couple of weeks at the longest, but I would guess that your tank will be done cycling in a week or so. Watch closely for signs of stress. Having an air pump with an airstone helps oxygenate the water, which goldfish love, and helps him deal with the stress of being in a tank that isn't fully cycled yet. (In case you're wondering, the airline tubing goes through a little space in the hood, look for it in the back...it's just big enough for a heater cable and airline tubing, not much room to spare!)

I would not add any other fish for at least a couple of weeks, minimum. A tank becomes established in roughly 3 months. It's cycled long before then, but things still go up and down once in a while. 3 months is about the average for when the tank starts being stable, granted all other conditions are optimal. On a side note, make sure to test for alkalinity and pH, as goldfish like a pH higher than neutral (>7.0) and fairly alkaline water, with moderate to high alkalinity...this keeps the pH nicely buffered.

One last thing. Do watch their diet! Goldfish need a high green content in their foods, so aquatic plants like Elodea/Anacharis and terrestrial veggies (weighed down with a heavy clip such as a magnetic clip) are excellent for them. Cucumber, squash, zucchini, romaine lettuce, and spinach are all enjoyed. Peas without their skins on, also have a laxative effect and give them the greens they need! Goldfish are very prone to bloating and constipation, since a diet of dried foods exclusively does not suit them.

I hope that helps, cheers!
Nicole