Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Ammonia won't go down in my new fish tank. What's the solution?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male

Levels of ammonia won't go down. How do I change that? New tank

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

The most common problems if ammonia is persistently high is overfeeding, overpopulation and bad water quality. Did you try already to change the water completely, cycle the tank and what is the PH of the water? Lower pH below 7.0, full water change and reduce feeding are all essential steps. I would recommend to avoid the use of any chemical ammonia remover. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Goldfish produce a lot of ammonia as a waste product. Until you've got a good biological bacteria cycling in your filter, the ammonia won't go away. Partial water changes and adding water conditioner and stresszyme each time will help until the biological filter is working well.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored