What is new tank syndrome?
Written by
Hoang Long
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.New tank syndrome is a fatal outbreak of ammonia poisoning in aquariums that have not been cycled properly because there are not enough bacteria present to begin processing the fish waste. This occurs when the fish are added before biological filtration can begin. Ammonia then builds up in the water quickly enough to not only ruin the gills of the fish, but also attack many other internal organs. I have seen entire tanks killed within seventy-two hours of adding fish due to this easily preventable syndrome.
Toxic Accumulation
- Ammonia spikes exceed 2 ppm within hours of adding fish
- Unprocessed fish waste overwhelms the immature ecosystem
- Lack of nitrifying bacteria prevents toxin conversion
Physiological Impact
- Ammonia burns destroy gill tissues impairing oxygen absorption
- Blood pH imbalance causes neurological dysfunction
- Kidney failure occurs at concentrations above 1 ppm
Contributing Factors
- Overstocking exceeds bacterial processing capacity
- Overfeeding provides excess waste material
- Inadequate filtration accelerates toxin buildup
Act immediately to combat the symptoms by performing 75% water change with dechlorinated water. Temporarily add ammonia-neutralizing products, such as Prime. If possible, transfer fish to established tanks. I have saved fish in the middle of a crisis using this protocol. Still, often permanent damage occurs at ammonia levels above 1 ppm.
Complete fishless cycling prevents new tank syndrome by establishing stable populations of bacteria, which will convert 2 ppm of ammonia within 24 hours before any livestock is added. This solid biological base creates a safe atmosphere devoid of toxic dangers. Patience in this stage means lives saved later.
Gradually add the new fish to your tank without exceeding 1 inch of fish for every 19 liters of water at first. Check your parameters daily for this first month. Have a bacterial supplement on hand for emergencies. These precautions will help create a stable ecosystem in which fish thrive without passing through toxic trauma.
Read the full article: Aquarium Cycling Process: Essential Beginner's Guide
