Hi guys. I've got a 55 gallon tank with two young oscars with an ammonia problem, and I'm wondering if the Microbelift Special Blend is hurting or helping the situation. The tank has been up for a year, and about 5 weeks ago I stupidly decided to change the substrate too quickly to sand. (I use an Emporer biowheel filter, and I thought that'd take care of the biofilter issues...wrong.) So now my nitrites and nitrates are finally cycling back into order, but the ammonia is still very high. I've been doing 30% water changes daily just to get that down, which is slowly working, and is now about 2.4 (!!!) Meanwhile, the fish are looking and acting fine (gahh!). So, that question: Is the Special Blend helping the biofilter to get back into balance, and, assuming so, how much should I be adding? I started the Special Blend two weeks ago, adding 60 ml at that time, and then have added 10 ml every other day since I've started with these daily water changes. Two other factors: I have a Purigen filter in the Emporer filtration container, and I have cut the feeding to a tiny meal worm each until everything gets back to snuff. Thanks much. (PS I live in the boonies of Wyoming, so all supplies have to come through the mail--a ten day process. AND thanks for that advice about adding a bit of my well water to my RO water to balance out the pH and minerals.)

After 5 wks you should be almost fully cycled and I don't see why your ammonia is still high. i don't think your hob is efficent enough to cope with the ammonia. the only other thing I can think is the product is giving a false reading but thats a slim chance.The product helps remove ammonia. From what I have read on hobs and the emporer, is there are 2 models 280-400. (emporer 400 = 55g tank) either way if its one of these you just don't have enough filteration for a 55g tank with 2 oscars. 55g isn't large enough for 2 oscars so it looks like you need a larger tank too. if the ammonia is reading 2.4 then you need to change more water or more often. you are far better of with a large canister filter like fluval or Etheim. Check tap water for ammonia just in case but Its most likely under filteration.

If you've only got 2 oscars in the 55 gal, get a fluval 405, it's an easy canister to use and never messy, and reasonably priced.

Fluval might offer me a job

I aggree with marcus. If you are still getting ammonia after 5 weeks then is sounds like you dont have enough filtration

unless.... have you cleaned your filter in those 5 weeks and did you use tank water to clean it with. You shouldnt clean a filter while it is cycling.