r/Aquariums 8h ago

Bacteria keeps dying. Help/Advice

Background info I cycled the empty 23 gallon tank for a month before seeing Nitrates and added fish gradually. 10 Cherry shrimp, 13 neone tetras, one Beta and two Sword tails. I feed the fish twice a day. AMOSIJOY 172GPH Canister Filter, with a floss pad, carbon sponge, ceramic filter rings, and Bio balls.

My problem is that my bacteria seems to die every 2 weeks or so. I see my Nitrates fall to zero, then the ammonia starts to go up slowly. I was told that maybe my filter is doing too good of a job and starving the bacteria. Is that possible? I keep having to add bacteria to the tank and I am wondering if I should just add more fish to creat more waist. I think the ammonia spike caused the beta to get a touch of fin rot, I am currently treating him for it and he is doing well. Adding the Nitrate/Nitrite readings for this tank (left) and a shrimp tank (right)

TLDR: Bacteria dies off (I think it's being starved), should I add more bio load or change the filter to something else. Also, is there something that may be killing the bacteria?

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u/GarbageRoutine9698 6h ago

I have no idea why your bacteria are dying off, but I have to ask what tank that is...

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u/Arcangel100 4h ago

It's a "lifegard aquatics 22 gallon" I think it's 35.8 inches long and 11.8 × 11.8. I wanted an Ultum Nature but this one fits better next to my couch, and it was slightly better for my wallet.