Ammonia level seems to low

[Plan-B]

Got a question for you all.

I’m attempting a fishless cycle on a 90-gallon tank. I bought some Big Al’s brand cycle and a no name product simply called “pure ammonia” at my local grocery store. The ammonia did not have an ingredients list so at the store I pulled off lid and checked a few things. It didn’t bubble or fizz when shook, it was clear and although ammonia has a distinct smell I didn’t detect any other scent such as lemon or pine.

At this time my tank had been set up and running for a few days. I added cycle as instructed on the bottle for new tank set up and waited for a few hours for the filter to mix things up a bit. I then added 2 ml (42-44 drops) of the ammonia and waited another few hours. After this was done I tested for ammonia and got a reading of 0 mg/l (or 0 ppm as to my understanding they are about the same thing). The next day I added another 2 ml and tested immediately in the same area the ammonia was added. This gave me another reading of 0. After that I put a drop of ammonia in the test tube and then filled it to the 5 ml line with fresh water. This gave me a reading off the tests 0 – 7.3 mg/l scale. I haven’t added any more to the tank since.

Are bacteria eating the ammonia that fast already? Or did I buy crap ammonia? Should I do a large or total water change now or continue my attempt to cycle the tank and then do the water change once successful? Does Bio Spira really work and make tanks fish safe over night? Because if so, this is an option I would like to explore.

Thanks for any and all thoughts on this,
Plan.

 

[FishDan]

I am not certain, but that amount of ammonia seems low to me for a 90 gallon tank. I was under the impression you add as much ammonia as it takes to get a reading of about 5ppm. I never fishless cycled (first tank I had no clue about it, second tank was seeded).

As far as BioSpira, I have read that it works more often than I have read it doesn't. I'd say it probably does. Of course, the current problem is availability. I am not sure that the stock is up in sufficient quantity for you to be able to find it.

\Dan

 

[clutterydrawer]

I think you'll need a bit more than that for a 90g - try adding maybe 5ml, then test straight away to see how much you've put in. add more if needed tog et it to 5ppm.

 

[Chasing Puck]

FishDan is correct---you should add enough ammonia to the tank to get a reading of 5 ppm. Keep adding and testing until you hit that point, then test again in 24 hours.

 

[Plan-B]

I didn’t take into account that household ammonia is diluted to about 5-15% NH3. It took me 10 teaspoons in a 90-gallon tank to get the reading I was looking for. Thanks for all the help everyone.