Ammonia levels

[NoWittyNamesAvailable]

We are very new to the fish keeping world. We bought a 28l tabk for my sons birthday and we have 6 neon tetras and a couple of cherry shrimp in there. The ammonia levels are constantly between 0.50-2 0ppm (nitrites 0 and nitrates 5) how can i get this level down? I have been doing approx 30% water change every other day. Would buying a bigger filter, using our exsisting filter media, help?

This is so much harder than i ever thought it would be! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What does your tap water register as? It may be that your water simply has some ammonia in it.

It is also worth noting that the smaller the tank the harder it is to keep everything stable.

How did you cycle the tank before putting in fish? it could be that the nitrogen cycle hasn't started or has "stalled" have you been feeding your tank?

Have a look at: this Nitrite and ammonia should always be 0.0, and nitrate less than 40

What water conditioner are you using and how are you testing - liquid test or test strips?

What filter do you have and what tank?

The tank is an aqua one 320, im not sure of the make of filter but its 200 lph. I didn't know about cycling it, the giy at maidenhead aquatics just said to have it all set up and running for 5-7 days before putting in fish. So its been damage control since. Im using a liquid testing kit, my tap water shows as 0. I'm using stress coat+ for the water conditioner.

Ok, I am not going to go on a rant about your local fish shop :)

First things first

Are you filling a jug adding the stress coat, leaving it a while then adding something like bio-boost? Based on what you have said I think the cycle has stalled and you need to help it along.

I would buy this

And use it weekly about an hour after you have used the stress coat+ in a jug before adding the water to the tank.

Do a 50% water change as soon as you can and then 10 - 15% every couple of days until the tank stabilises.

Neon tetras and shrimp can be sensitive, you may lose a couple until this is all established.

Also remember when washing any decorations, to use aquarium water, not tap water or soap.

I was recommended aquarium pure balls to put in to the filter which are meant to do similar i think.

I am absoloutely kicking myself for not reading up more on everything. I went to maidenhead aquativs as i was told they are much better than pah. I've tested my water again today and it looks like ammonia is on its way back down but nitrites are now showing at 0.25. I've done a water change. I guess i need to keep on keeping in and hope not to lose any fish, my 4 year old would be devestated.