death after water change?

Question
Hi Rachel, it's Monika again.  Anyways, yesterday i tested the ammonia level and it said 1.0 so i quickly did a 25% water change. Afterwards, i was sending letters to some people then i noticed that my third-last zebra danio was wrapped around the filter. Do you think the ammonia got to it before the water change? And then... today, i was checking up on my tank and i saw my second- last zebra danio dead.Why did they die? Oh, one more question, is there some way to reduce ammonia other than water changes and less feedings? thanks for reading! i'm waiting anxiously for your reply!

Answer
Really its hard to say unless you know how long the ammonia was at that level. It was not terrible high but already stressed fish could be affected more than strong ones. If there is not other sign or disease or a parasite chances are it was the ammonia. Even though the water was changes, the ammonia could have not been eliminated by the time the second died, or it could have taken its tole on him enough to not be reversed. Other than regular water changes and daily water testing, to make sure your fish dont live in ammonia for a few days, and feeding little daily you can get some filter media to help eliminate the ammonia. Just go to your local pet store and find a filter media, cartridge, which says it helps eliminate ammonia. The packs can come in a variety of types, including carbon, ceramic media, and floss. Just slip it in the filter where it fits and make sure the filter doesnt overflow when you add the extra media. Keep the normal filter in your box but add the extra ammonia preventative behind or in front of it in the water flow. Watch the filter for a few mins to make sure the new stuff you add does not make it overflow. Also, replace you regular filter as it can have remaining ammonia. Test your water daily for alittle while to make sure it doesnt spike and than after 3-4 weeks go down to weekly water tests. It may cost alittle at first to test it daily but its far worth it to make sure your tank is healthy. I hope I have helped. Let me know if you need more help.