Hello all,
This is my first post and I'm looking forward to being an active member in the community. I'm a new a fishkeeper and am about 2 months into my aquarium. First off, I want to say that I've done about everything wrong that you could have done up to this point. I currently have 7 neon tetras that have been in the tank for about a month and are doing well and one corydora. I overstocked my tank a couple of weeks ago with about 9 guppies that all met their maker quickly. Now, I am trying to make sure my tank is stabilized before I add anymore fish to this aquarium. Here are the stats on my aquarium.
Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Filter: Marineland Emperor 280
Ammonia: .25 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: In between 0 and 5 ppm (Tested with API Master Test Kit)
I unfortunately changed the filter cartridge on my filter after the guppies died. I now realize that was a mistake, because I lost all the beneficial bacteria growing in there. Before this last test, I held off on feeding the fish for 48 hours, hoping that the ammonia would get eaten up. I can't seem to get it down to 0 and am concerned that I'm not really reading any nitrates per my tests. I have done three 50% water changes in the last 36 hours with gravel vaccuming. I lightly fed this morning and am planning on only feeding once a day from now on. I will most likely hold off on feeding tomorrow.
Does anyone have any advice on where my tank is at in the cycle right now? I really would like to not have to do another massive water change, but that might be what I need to do in order to get the last bit of ammonia out. Hopefully once I get this tank in good shape, I can have more confidence in the next fish I introduce being a successful experience.
Thank you all for your help and Happy Holidays!
Cheers!