Mature Media Added And Ammonia

[zesty]

Hi, in my new 80g tank I am running 2 externals.

Today I have added 4 pieces of mature media (2 in each filter)

I then added enough ammonia for 4-5ppm.

Am I right in thinking that if I test for ammonia 24hrs from now, that if everything is going to plan then the ammonia levels should be back to 0?

What else should I test for?

At what stage could I add some fish?

Thanks

 

[waterdrop]

Hi Zesty,

You should perform a fishless cycle per our rdd1952 Add&Wait method article in the Beginners Resource Center and per discussions with us here in your thread. The mature media should always be considered to be a "hopeful" thing until it has proven its worth! If the media as transferred over successfully then you will know very quickly that yes, you are cycled.

Now, down to the details you asked about: Yes, if the media transferred ok and are still operating as if they are still in their own mature filter, then you may get a drop of the 4 to 5ppm ammonia all the way to zero in short order. But don't be surprised if it turns out that you don't. There are just sometimes when the act of moving these bactera will somehow disturb them and cause them to "pause" (or sometimes die back somewhat.)

The test for a fully cycled fishless process is that 5ppm of household ammonia can be dropped to zero ppm of ammonia and zero ppm of nitrite in 12 hours or less. This is a pretty stiff requirement and will result in a very robust biofilter and good protection for your fish right from the start.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[cowboy507]

What else should I test for?

At what stage could I add some fish?

Thanks

Nitrites and nitrates, and pH is also good.

when you are processing ammonia and nitrites in 12 hrs or less

 

[zesty]

ok thanks for that. I will see what results are like when I test.

 

[Dazzlearoobob]

any update on how ur getting on?
D

 

[zesty]

any update on how ur getting on?
D

Well its not looking too good.

Its been about 20 hours since I added the ammonia and I still have readings of 4ppm.

I think I might have a beer/beers and a good read of the "add and wait" method as mentioned by waterdrop.

Thanks for asking

 

[waterdrop]

Well don't go too negative. When biomedia is disturbed the bacteria/biofilms can sometimes "pause" or shut down for a bit but if you give it a day or two back in the right conditions of good water/oxygen flow and plenty of food (like the 4ppm ammonia you've got) then it may bounce back.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[zesty]

Well don't go too negative. When biomedia is disturbed the bacteria/biofilms can sometimes "pause" or shut down for a bit but if you give it a day or two back in the right conditions of good water/oxygen flow and plenty of food (like the 4ppm ammonia you've got) then it may bounce back.

~~waterdrop~~

Well maybe all is not lost then. I will see how things go over the next couple of days.

Thanks.