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[BazaJT]

I bought one of these a few weeks ago,set it up and let it run for a week before introducing any fish.First fish in were a male Siamese fighting fish[nowadays called Betas]and two females.Within three days one of the females died and the other female died a couple of weks later.I've been told on taking a water sample to be checked that the ammonia and nitrate levels are way too high for the fish,so I've been changing the water[about 25% at a time]and adding something called stress zyme which is supposed to make tap water safe,however the aforesaid levels remain obstinately high.Anyone any ideas on what to use to get these levels down?The male fish by the way is fit and healthy and even seems to have learned to loiter near where I put the food in the tank at 6p.m.The tank by the way is a 55L one and the real plants[not plastic]are thriving too.

[STEMO]

The male one probably shagged the others to death 

[Jimbob]

those levels will stay high until the filter matures. Only way to do it is very frequent water changes for the first 6 weeks. Should maintain good levels after that. As you've found out the levels can quickly get to toxic levels. Keep an eye on them too after introducing any new fish as the filter ramps up to deal with the extra load.

[Lazydocker]

As said, it's a new tank and they take a bit of time.

The new fish thing is important too... I lost almost all of mine because I introduced new fish, new plants and a water change all at the same time

Reminds me... Must do a water change on Friday!

[BazaJT]

I've been doing water changes[roughly 25% a time] every 2/3 days since the females died off.I'll keep on with these and hopefully get the levels down shortly.

[Lazydocker]

I'm sure they recommend 10% max on water changes

I use API Stress Coat Plus. Have used Tap Safe but this is one you can't really "overdose" and I also use it when adding new fish.

[Jimbob]

With those levels 25% at a time would be the minimum I'd be doing, I used to recommend 25-50% every few days depending on tank size and population.

[BazaJT]

Tank size is 55L population at present stands at the lone male Beta[and two plants]I have some API stress zyme and stress coat-came as a two bottle pack-and also a bottle of filter boost.I take a water sample to the local Pets at Home store for testing[it's free]just didn't want them feeding me some hogwash in order to sell me something else that possibly I don't need.