Ammonia Sources In New Zealand

[Sharknado99]

Hi guys
 
I know theres not many of you out there in NZ but we dont have ANY of those ammonia liquids you use to cycle your tanks.
 
I'm going nuts trying to cycle my 180L tank and getting ammonia levels up. I've stuck some fish food, plants and two snails in there. ANd I've also chucked in a few lettuce leaves for the snails which have been there about a day or so.  Is this the right approach or is there something safe I can use to increase the ammonia levels? Im concerned that the plants will be absorbing the ammonia as soon as its produced.
 
Is there anyone in NZ that can recommend ammonia stuff to cycle tanks in NZ?
 
Thanks
 
 

 

[RRaquariums]

Get yourself a peace of dead shrimp like the type for eating and dump it in there that should do it

 

[AshleyNZ]

I have the same problem, but if you go to Countdown you can get cloudy ammonia for around $3 for 1L bottle

 

[Sharknado99]

Get yourself a peace of dead shrimp like the type for eating and dump it in there that should do it

right..ok I'll try that..Thanks
 

I have the same problem, but if you go to Countdown you can get cloudy ammonia for around $3 for 1L bottle

is that safe to put into the tank..Ok..i'll give it a go.I am always nervous about using those household cleaners but I guess ammonia is ammonia so I'l look for it tomorrow.
 
Thanks

 

[AshleyNZ]

Yeah, just let it sit for awhile. Ive got a snail thats living in the tank (Grrr hitchiker) so I guess that means it wouldnt be toxic? Not sure, but other people have had success with it

 

[fluttermoth]

As a heads up for anyone else who can't source ammonia and needs to use fish food or prawns (prawns are best; fish food is designed not to produce too much ammonia), put your fish food/prawn in a bucket to decompose, then use that water, added to the tank, as your ammonia source.
 
There are two reasons; first is, it makes your cycle run more like a normal fishless cycle and second, it keeps the rotting stuff out of your tank, so it's cleaner (and less smelly; you can keep the bucket outside, or in a shed).