Smoothys Cycling Diary

[Smoothy]

Bump ... hopefully for some help

 

[DP1981]

How long are you leaving the ammonia test before deciding the colour?

 

[Smoothy]

Thanks DP

This got me thinking

So ... I just did the bucket test again ... 0.58ml (as close as I can get to that) in 10 litres of tap water (tested prior containing no Ammonia) Result 2.0ppm

Added another 0.58ml ... and the test is showing just over 4ppm (can't tell for certain as the card only goes up to 4ppm)

So ... I must have not been waiting long enough 10 minutes is longer than I thought

So as the calculator says 6.58ml to add to my 125l tank to put it up to 5ppm ... I'm thinking I will add roughly 8ml tomorrow morning (just tested tank water now and is 0.1ppm ... so hopefully will be zero in the morning) to get it up to the recommended 2-3ppm at this stage of my cycle? as it looks like my Ammonia is not the actual 9.5% it says on the bottle

Really hope someone replies saying if this sounds ok as I'll be adding tomorrow morning and don't want to mess it up

 

[DP1981]

Sorry i cannot help you but sure someone will

 

[waterdrop]

When you mix ammonia with water, you need to give it pretty much time to mix thoroughly. Usually you shouldn't test for 20 or 30 minutes, especially if you are still establishing what the right amount of ammonia is for you.

When you perform the API tests, its important to follow the instructions to the letter. I use a little kitchen timer that hangs around my neck, so that I can do other things but then check the colors at the right time. I always use the same bright light and hold the tube and color chart the same distance from that light.

Don't be surprised if the calculator doesn't give you what you expect. Its the test results that you must go by.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Smoothy]

Thanks waterdrop

I've now purchased the API test kit and find it a lot easier ... plus only have to wait 5 minutes for Ammonia reading instead of 10 minutes for the Interpet

Just about to update my readings that I've missed ... if anyone could look over them and see if all seems well I'd be most grateful

 

[Smoothy]

Updated

NitrIte not moving ... and I thought the initial drop for Ammonia was bad

 

[waterdrop]

After your fish have been in the tank a year, the little period of fishless cycling will be a distant memory.....

(yes, it'll try your patience sometimes more than anything else you've done, lol)

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Smoothy]

After your fish have been in the tank a year, the little period of fishless cycling will be a distant memory.....

(yes, it'll try your patience sometimes more than anything else you've done, lol)

~~waterdrop~~

You're right ... needs a LOT of patience

But it will be worth it in the long run

Updated Diary

 

[waterdrop]

Looks like nitrite is really dropping now

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Smoothy]

Yeah, it sure does ... got my first 0ppm reading for it today!!

Thanks for keeping an eye on it for me

 

[waterdrop]

Don't know where "Midlands" is but I stayed in a tiny place called "Wem" once. Keep wondering if I'll ever run across any of the UKers anywhere near that little area! -wd-

 

[Smoothy]

Suprisingly ... it's in the middle of England

No idea where "Wem" is though

 

[waterdrop]

Its between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, south of Chester, probably west of you if you're near Birmingham, although I guess there is a "midlands" southwest of London too.. sigh.

(highly unfair I never got to tool around all those midlands in my TR6 years ago and I'm dm unhappy about it sometimes, so there! )

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Smoothy]

Sorry, still no idea where it is

Checked and updated 1st page today ... my PH is starting to drop ... when is the time I need to start worrying and maybe do a large water change?