[burdenpi]

I have a 10gal QT running until my display is done cycling. I didnt think about cycling the QT so I didnt. Maybe my first big error. I have been fighting ammonia in the tank and have done many water changes. 2 gal, 5 gal, all 10 gal. Ammonia in the QT tank have been as high 1.0 ppm. The yellow tang was doing ok, this morning he was swimming sideways, laying flat on the bottom of the tank. I transferred him into some tank water which actually had a lower ammonia and he seemed better. I added previously mixed saltwater to the QT for a complete water change, he perked up but now is back to swimming sideways, looks almost dead.

Current water situation:

79 degrees
1.024 salinity
PH 8.0
Ammonia .25
Alkalinity 2.0
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0

I have a heater, powerhead, and a cheap overflow filter with a charcoal cartridge and seperate bag of charcoal floating, which I just added today after losing the battle with the ammonia for a few days. Has the damage been done? Is there anything I can do for him at this point or just wait and see? I feel horrible, I think my inexperience caused this. Any help is appreciated. Should I have cycled my QT before getting him? This never occured to me since there is no LR, bare bottom. I planned to control water quality with water changes. My mistake obviously.

[msbdiving]

There is nitrifying bacteria that you can get that will break down the ammonia. Are you using tap water or RO/DI water. There could be other contaminates such as chlorine or copper that will screw with your tang.

[burdenpi]

ro/di, on some other advice just added some amquel+. He looks to be in bad shape.

[noodles]

Your tank is too small. 30 gal+ small I would go for a ISO