Already Have A Question About Fishless Cycle

[stanleo]

Sorry But I just started this today and I already have a question. 
 
The ammonia calculator said for 55gl tank to use 6.57ml of ammonia to get a 3ppm result. I put in 6.6ml and waited 45 min and got 1ppm from API test kit, tested it twice to be sure. I am not sure the concentration because the bottle doesn't say and I can't find it online. I set up the tank and let the heater and filters run for 24 hours. I also tested nitrite and they were the expected 0ppm. The filters and most of the decor were already used but not for a couple months and they were left to dry so I know there can't be enough bacteria to process the ammonia that quickly.
 
Should I put in more ammonia or wait it out a little longer and test again?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Without knowing the concentration its hard to get accurate info from the calculator. What brand are you using?
 
But a bit of common sense tells us if you wanted to get 3 ppm and all you got was 1, then you need to add more.
 
Consider this product http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24530

 

[stanleo]

Its a Harris Tetter store brand. All the grocery store had. I will just add 3mml more at a time till i get 3ppm if that sounds right? Thanks Twotank. 

 

[the_lock_man]

Logic would suggest that if 6.6ml gave you a dose of 1ppm, then you would need 19.8ml to give you 3ppm (or for practicality's sake, 20ml)

 

[stanleo]

I'm glad you said that because I went ahead and put 16ml in when I got home from work for a grand total of 32ml and that finally gave me 3ppm.

 

[stanleo]

I just want to keep the same thread for all my cycling questions.
 
So today is day 7 of the cycle. my readings are Ammonia .25, Nitrite over 5ppm, Nitrate is 5ppm. This sounds good to me so If I follow the article I need to put in the same amount of ammonia to get to 3ppm as the first day, which in my case and with the ammonia I have is 32ml. That's a lot of ammonia so I just want to make sure I am understanding this right?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Yes, add the 2nd dose of ammonia.
 
But if you got 1 ppm from 6.6 ml, then your proper dose is not 32 ml, its 6.6 x 3  = 19.8.
 
I double checked and with 4.5% ammonia the dose is only 12.6 ml. I think you must have old ammonia that has lost some strength. be careful with dosing as your nitrite is on the edge after a 3 ppm addition. Dosing and testing is not the way to go, its way less accurate.