Api Master Test Kit

[Harlequins]

In theory the tank will probably take 6 weeks to cycle,maybe longer,has you are away in between and wont be about to dose with ammonia,the next best thing would be to put dead prawn in a net bag in the tank to let it decay to produce ammonia to keep the cycle ticking over,then remove it when your back and carry on with the testing...

 

[dissimulo]

Seems to be ok luke

Even if they aren't 100% accurate, they should be close enough for a fishless cycle, plus they'll be much better than test strips that some people use anyway

And your right about the nitrite, it wouldnt show up without bacteria processing the ammonia.

Andy

Yeah, I agree. I've heard rather negative reviews of certain paper based kits myself so for now I'm happy to stick with the one I have, despite its age.

In theory the tank will probably take 6 weeks to cycle,maybe longer,has you are away in between and wont be about to dose with ammonia,the next best thing would be to put dead prawn in a net bag in the tank to let it decay to produce ammonia to keep the cycle ticking over,then remove it when your back and carry on with the testing...

I assume it'll create quite a bit of mess whilst in my tank for a week or so? Otherwise, as you say, it does appear to be the next best alternative. I mentioned the idea to my father just now and he disagree's. So out of curiosity, is there another alternate method?

Anyhow, thanks for the advice.

Cheers,

Luke.

 

[OldMan47]

Any decaying organic matter will give you some ammonia and keep things going. It is your choice what to use while you are out of the house but most such things will indeed smell bad.