My 200g tank was running well for 6 months. Two weeks ago after a 50-60% water change, I lost half the fish in the tank. The ammonia and nitrites were through the roof. Apparently the bilogical filter was affected. I used a python and dripped Amquel in. Anyway after a few days the tank showed signs of cycling again with a hazy white appearance then clearing. I have since changed to letting the water change water age a day ahead in a rubbermaid trash can.
I kept my 36w uv running during this. The water is clear now, but I noticed that some of the sword plants have holes in the leaves and there is a dsitinct odor of hydrogen sulfide in parts of the gravel. Also, the vals all died and the roots were black. I've tried to poke the gravel in parts to help release any hydrogen sulfide. Some plants are fine, except for the holes in some swords.
The ammonia levels are still very high .5 ppm and the nirites are only slighly present at .25. I would have expected the ammonia to start declining as the tank is fully stocked with plants, I have 2-3 w/g of compact flourescent lighting and am dosing ferts. The tank conditions are as follows:
No3 15-20 ppm (adding KNO3)
phosphate 1-2 ppm
CO2 35 ppm (verified with lamotte CO2) also goo dplant pearling
added extra potassium as I thought the holes were due to this
KH= 9
GH=11-12
Subtrate is 100% ecocomplete.
2 EHEIM PROII filters
I just turned off the uv this evening as I am concerned this may be interfering with the cycling. Starnge thing is the remaining fish seem fine despite the high ammonia. Also, i checked the ammonia with 2 tests: Salifert and Sera and both match the high value.
Any suggestions?
I kept my 36w uv running during this. The water is clear now, but I noticed that some of the sword plants have holes in the leaves and there is a dsitinct odor of hydrogen sulfide in parts of the gravel. Also, the vals all died and the roots were black. I've tried to poke the gravel in parts to help release any hydrogen sulfide. Some plants are fine, except for the holes in some swords.
The ammonia levels are still very high .5 ppm and the nirites are only slighly present at .25. I would have expected the ammonia to start declining as the tank is fully stocked with plants, I have 2-3 w/g of compact flourescent lighting and am dosing ferts. The tank conditions are as follows:
No3 15-20 ppm (adding KNO3)
phosphate 1-2 ppm
CO2 35 ppm (verified with lamotte CO2) also goo dplant pearling
added extra potassium as I thought the holes were due to this
KH= 9
GH=11-12
Subtrate is 100% ecocomplete.
2 EHEIM PROII filters
I just turned off the uv this evening as I am concerned this may be interfering with the cycling. Starnge thing is the remaining fish seem fine despite the high ammonia. Also, i checked the ammonia with 2 tests: Salifert and Sera and both match the high value.
Any suggestions?