[lilmommy412]

What should we do? Our pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels are all escalating, and we need some immediate advice. We do not have another tank set up yet, so one of our fish is already dying.. and we don't want anymore being harmed. Please help as ASAP!!!
Thanks

[stephaniesquires]

When you say escalating, what does that mean?? What are your parameters now and what were they? What size tank? Live rock? Live sand? How much of each? What livestock do you have? What and how much and how often do you feed? What filtration are you using? Bio balls? sump? How long has the tank been set up?
The quickest solution is to dilute the problem - get some fresh saltwater made up and get ready for a big water change while you figure out what is causing the problem.

[e_baer]

We need more information to help cure the problem.

[lilmommy412]

I have a 20 gallon fish tank, with two occeleris clowns, some hermits, snails, and HAD a fire goby (who just died). We also have about 20 pounds of live sand, 7 lbs live rock.
pH level is 7.8
ammonia level is .50
nitrite(2) level is 1.0
nitrate(3) level is 20
help!!

[e_baer]

Do a 25% water change and see how much that helps. Make sure the Temp and PH and salinity are all the same.

What protein skimmer do you have?

[e_baer]

maybe even a 50%.

[ilovemash]

If u have ammonia in ur tank u really need to do a water change! Get it done and get it done quick! All the while u need to find out what exactly is causing it and fix it. Keep us posted!

[glampka]

From what I see, I am guessing you just set that tank up & didn't let it cycle before putting the fish in it. This hobby takes time. You don't set up the tank & immediately put fish in it!. Do the water changes & keep an eye on the parameters. DO NOT ADD another fish until your tank cycles!!! Read up on the nitrogen cycle & you'll see what is supposed to happen.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Gary,you read my mind.

[gramesy777]

when did you add the live rock...and where did you get it?

[gramesy777]

Im betting your problem is from the live rock not being cured before you added it to your tank.

[pogodzib]

Your "hobby experience" says 1 week, so I'd also guess that your tank is going through the initial ammonia-nitrite-nitrate cycle period, which lasts up to 6+ weeks. During that time, it is dangerous (to the livestock) to have any fish in the tank. Your best option would be to take the fish back to your LFS and then wait for your tank to cycle before adding fish again. It is tough to keep most fish alive during the cycle process. Once the cycle is complete, add fish slowly (1-2 small fish per month max) until your tank is fully stocked. While your tank is in the cycling process, take the time to read everything that you can so that you can avoid as many other future mistakes as possible.