Fishless Cycle, Complete Amateur, Follow My Progress

[60007]

Hello all, after reading up on some of the numerous threads and being advised by others (Thanks!), I have concluded that I can't go to my LFS and buy my fish after a week of setting up, despite what they said, as I realise he probably isn't qualified to run one after what he has told me. (He also told my Aquariums require a 25% water change every month and that I put my fish in after a week). So, I'm trusting you guys on this

So, follow another thread as I 'Attempt' to get a tank ready for some new room mates when their home is ready.

The tank when I put in the plants (Presumbly the bacteria bloom)

and now what it looks like (since this picture was taken, its improved again

So, I've been out to my local Boots to purchase some ammonia

so after using the recomended site http/www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm, I've calculated my 68 ltr (18 US Gallons) requires 3.58ml of ammonia.

But this is where I come stuck, and where you guys can hopefully help. this is going to sound really stupid but:

Do I just add the ammonia with a dropper, or do I dilute it or anything? (I presume the fish tank water will dilute it for me, but I want to make sure)
and how often do I need to add this? I realise I need to buy a water testing kit which is on order, but I won't need that before I add my ammonia this time.

Also, how can I cool my tank down? ATM, its at 26 1/2 Degrees C (80 F)? My heater is on a low setting, and if I turn it any lower, it won't have any effect, unless this has got something to do with the plants releasing energy in the Bacteria bloom or something?

I hope to add more pictures as I progress, so its not just a thread with reports, but with new decorations/plants I've aquired, so it isn't boring!

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[drobbyb]

You just add it with a dropper. No need to dilute.

Just need a test kit now so that you can track your progress.

 

[OldMan47]

Unless your heater is set at a lower temperature than your tank water, it ought to be coming on to raise the temperature. It is really controlled by the tank's water temperature. The dial on a heater is often way off so use a thermometer to decide if you want to turn it higher or lower. If the heater never comes on, check the pilot light, then you can cool the water further by running a very small fan that blows air across the water surface. The evaporation that happens will cool the tank the same way that perspiring will cool you when you have been exercising.

 

[60007]

Thanks for the answer, I've now added ammonia to my tank and should get the test kit in a couple of days.

Unless your heater is set at a lower temperature than your tank water, it ought to be coming on to raise the temperature. It is really controlled by the tank's water temperature. The dial on a heater is often way off so use a thermometer to decide if you want to turn it higher or lower. If the heater never comes on, check the pilot light, then you can cool the water further by running a very small fan that blows air across the water surface. The evaporation that happens will cool the tank the same way that perspiring will cool you when you have been exercising.

I have been using an external thermometer, as the heater has a dile with - and + respectivley, but no numbers, so its kind of guess work. it was pointed at the lower end of the scale, so now I've reduced it to the minimum to see what happens.

Thanks,

Andrew