Amanda what kind of filter media do you have in your filter?. i found that in the beginning of cycling a tank after adding some fish that i had used an ammonia absorber in the filter and this helped. how much of a water change?

this spike in ammonia is normal because the whole bacteria cycle has not yet begun. it only starts when fish are introduced and they introudce waste. this cycle can take up to 27 days to stabilize.

i use aqua clear....on this 55 i used a 110...last nisht i did 25- 30%, this morning i did about 50% and its still bad.....the funny thing is he dosent act like there is ammonia in the water...ive had a tank get high levels of ammonia before and the fish were either on the bottom or at the top gasping so im thinking its a false positive but dont want to take the chance....

really...27 days....hmmm ok well it makes complete sense i just freaked out i guess. im sill woried....i love my guy

only thing im wondering is...does the ammonia clear chemicals ,ike tank bussies and ammo lock give off a false positive....

i don't know

well thank you tony, but do let me know if yo think of anything

Sure will do

I use the same filter - Aquaclear has an ammochips or ammo-lock media bag that fits that filter. Use that to help keep ammonia down until your cycle is complete. Adding the stress zyme bacteria will help but if you have another tank, the best way is to take a nylon media bag (like $2 from the LFS) and fill it with some gravel from your other tank, and let it sit in the tank for a few weeks - when the cycle is done, you can empty the bag back into the old tank. This will help establish bio. Also, you may be able to get some gravel from a clean local store if you dont have another tank. Just some ideas to help you out ....

Do you have another tank? Or is this your only one?

Amanda, like guys mention above, use ammo chips and do daily 30% water change, no need to vacuum the gravel daily, just change the water. Do not clean the filters, just add fresh ammo chips and carbon, but try do not interrupt nitrifying bacteria, they just start establishing.
It will work out.
Your test numbers are def off allot, since you using dif type of addictives, they screw up the test for very long time, and not do what promised anyway. Also try to cut on feeding to minimum, and def not use any medication, it'll kill weak bacteria and you have to start all over again.
So, to underline, daily water change and small feedings is the most important to stick with, to establish the cycle. It may take up to the month, but you'll get there

Your ammonia# may not be as high, as your test shows, it all have to do with chemicals you add. Happen to me and many others

if you have another tank with a hob filter you could wash your bio media mulm in the tank too . or just switch hob's with another tank , as the old tank will have bacteria build up in gravel and filter so no need to worry about removing bacteria and your new tank will have a good start with bacteria on hand in the filter . i always have an extra hob filter or two running on my 125 to keep on hand when i get urge to start up another tank . bacteria

alex, harvick, tony and frank, thanks soooo much for the advse. yeah i have several other tanks up i did switch the aqua clear 110 from my other 55 and put it on the new tank to build bacteria i just hope my jerome is ok, hes my baby.....thanks for the good advise you guys ae fabulous!!!

Amanda how is the tank and your fish?? Just wondering