I have two orandas one is a lionhead .We have had ...

Hi. Just a couple of questions before we start.

1) How long has the tank been up and running with the goldfish in it?

2) How big, in gallons, is the tank?

3) Has the water been tested for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

The tank has been up and running for 5wks.It is a 10 gallon tank. Yes I tested it for both. It was high on the ammonia but the nitrites and the nitrates were fine. I put in a ammonia detoxifier.I cant figure out why the ammonia was high.I clean the tank weekly with about 20 to 25% spring water during the change.I changed the filter every 2 weeks . Its a penguin filter system that came with the tank.

Thanks for the information.

The reason why the ammonia is high in the tank is that your tank is "cycling". Listed below is a link to a web page that will explain cycling.

I wouldn't recommend that you put any additives in the tank such as ammonia detoxifier. The only thing you should add is aquarium salt, 1 teaspoon per each 5 gallons of water.

If you continue to change some water every week you will slow down the cycling process which normally lasts 6-8 weeks. During the cycling process it's best not to add any more fish and to feed sparingly.

The fish's dark/black spots are ammonia burns which should go away once the ammonia has dropped to -0-.

Your choice of filter, The Penguin, is an excellent one. Make sure not to change the filter media during the cycling process either as this is where the beneficial bacteria will grow.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to assist.

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/cycling.htm