Ammonia Problem! Please help

[Derekyap]

Bros,

I have recently started keeping Ranchu but it seems that I am always facing high ammonia despite me changing the water daily (20%). I have set up the tank for 3 weeks but still facing ammonia issue despite me adding API Quick Start solution 3 times a week.

Ranchus began to develop black stain on fins and I believe it is due to ammonia burn. Any advise?

This is my setup:

60cm x 38cm x 30cm tank
T5 lighting - Turn on for 8 hrs/day
Eden 501 Canister filter
Colourful UV Filter (UVF-5W) - only turned on for 8 hrs/day

Fauna
3 x Cory (From previous setup)
1 x Guppy (From previous setup)
5 x Ranchu (avg 3")

[ThomasLim]

What is your filtration?
Did you cycle the tank before introducing the fish?

[Mcspicy]

How much medias you are having in your setup? I believe your tank's BB is insufficient to convert the ammonia produced by your fishes' wastes. Try to feed less and add BB solution in the mean time. By the way bro, your tank is too small to accommodate so many goldfishes

[Derekyap]

Originally Posted by ThomasLim

What is your filtration?
Did you cycle the tank before introducing the fish?

Yup. Cycle for one week before introducing the Ranchu. Any idea how long it will take for the 2 ft tank to properly cycle?

Does UV filter slow down the process of BB formation?

[AdamC]

Originally Posted by Derekyap

Yup. Cycle for one week before introducing the Ranchu. Any idea how long it will take for the 2 ft tank to properly cycle?

Does UV filter slow down the process of BB formation?

Yes. UV at high dwell time will sterilize both good and bad bacteria.
Check the pH of your aquarium water. If it's over 7, the ammonia is hazardous to your fish. Evidently, the dark spots on their bodies are probably signs of healing from "ammonia burn".

[Heuer]

Try not to use this type of filter unless you have some kind of buffering.
And your tank is way over stock.

[ThomasLim]

Bro, I will say estimated a month plus unless you have matured BB medias added that will shorten the duration... But from your testing results, the BBs for the ammonia is not even established yet... This is the very initial stage of the cycling. When the BBs tackling the ammonia is established, the nitrite reading will turn purple... It is only when the nitrite BBs is established, then the cycling is completed.

In short, your tank is NOT cycled yet. It could be due to insufficient medias or maybe it just needs more time... You shouldnt have introduced the fishes when the tank is not cycled yet... Good luck bro!

[vincent2982]

Confirm over load. Have you check per Ranchu need how many L of water? I use to wan to keep 5 in a 3FT. End up i give up due to too high load. 3ft for 5 Ranchu i find not enough oso, unless u have very geed n establish media. I see ur setup is purely on that filter...is way not enough.

[clipsalx]

Temporary measure is to change water daily and add BB solutions.

Do get a better filtration system, media and tank if it permits

[dafei]

Try to get a canister with sufficient media. I have 5 goldfish in a 2ft tank currently.