Issues with my tank

Question
I am having issues with my tank my ammonia levels have shot up so I am doing daily water changes to try and save my fish. I have a 2.5 foot tank and I run a 800Lph filter in it. I have brought a new filter which has a capacity of 1000lph. Would it be a good idea to add the new filter into the tank to help the fish and gradually take the old one out? or should I wait for the ammonia to drop and the tank to settle before adding the new filter? Also how do I add a new filter?

Thanks
Stacey

Answer
I imagine these are box filters? If so, you can just remove theold filter and place the new one in without any transition. If it is another type of filter I do not know as the only filters I have used for freshwater are box filters. I would advice adding the new filter now, as this will help remove the ammonia. Also, you can get ammonia removers which you place in the filter or you can get drops which help eliminate the ammonia, I would advise getting these and trying them out. Also, syphon the gravel and this may be the main cause of you problem. Also, do not make daily water changes as this may contribute to the ammonia, do a 10% water change every other day. Finally, do not overfeed as this is the main cause of ammonia. Do you know what is causing the ammonia? Overfeeding? In fact, cut down drastically on feeding for a few days, just give a fraction of what you normally feed them. Do this for a week and then return to normal feeding, only enough for them to eat in 1 minute. I know the food says 5 minutes but if you give enough for that it tends to be too much. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more help.