Sudden ammonia spike?

Hi all.

I've had my tank up for about 6 weeks, it cycled in a little less than 3 weeks with 2 damsels in it, the test readings were
PH 8.0
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

I added a clown and a green chromis at about week 4 and the readings stayed the same up until today, the readings today are
PH 8.0
Ammonia 2.0ppm
Nitrite .25ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

I haven't seen the chromis for a couple days but he may be hiding because the other 2 damsels chase him around. Could the chromis have died and is causing the ammonia and nitrite spike?

I have tested it every 2 days since week 2 and today is the first change I've seen since the cycle completed.

Thanks for any help.

 

Probably should do a water change...But on the other hand, yes, a few dead fish could definitely promote a ammonia spike. Thats why you need some cleanup crew to take care of it before the dead fish turn into ammonia.

 

I have 10 small blue leg hermits and 3 quarter sized nassarius snails as a CUC now, the chromis was small, about 1.5 inches or so and my total tank volume is about 150 gallons, could a fish that tiny have fouled the tank up that quickly?

I want more CUC but I was holding off until the tank actually had something for them to eat other than left over flake food.

 

Then, never mind..It wasnt that..A large tank like that it shouldnt hurt anything.

Im thinking you might not be done cycling :-/

 

Water change. And check out ReefCleaners for a CUC. flake food is better than nothing.

PS: has anything died recently?