Whoa- Ammonia Spike In The Bucket!

[Kairi]

I am trying to figure out how much ammonia to add to the empty tank for the cycling to begin. I am using a 10 qt. bucket to test in- and will then multiply the # of teaspoons by 30 to figure out how much to put into the tank. Have I lost anyone yet? Here's what I need to know. I put in one tsp. The ammonia level in the bucket was off the chart! 8, maybe 9ppm. It shouldn't be that high, should it. I need it at 6 ppm for the start of a fishless cycle? I'm doing the add daily method b/c I have a pleco and would like the bacteria to be able to handle the little poop machine. So is 8/9 ppm ok? Or make it 6ppm.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Empty the bucket out again and start wiht half the amount you began with, or even a quarter. I found it easier to measure ammonia by using a baby medicine syringe (no needle). That way i wasn't pouring the ammonia and the bottle stayed closed for most of teh time.

 

[Kairi]

it's a medicine dropper... same kinda thing. so I do want it at 6ppm?

Oo speaking of which- need to close the bottle! i left it open. whoops

 

[tttnjfttt]

THe directions vary depending on the source, but generally anywhere between 4 and 6 will be fine.

 

[Kairi]

Ok. I'll go in 1/4 tsps then if it were up to me, I'd say the more the better.... lol which is good that I'm asking before I do it- or I'd screw everything up!

 

[tttnjfttt]

too much can be bad, you just want it to simulate a fully stocked fish tank.

 

[Kairi]

w/ 5-6 ppm of ammonia?! wowie. i'm doing the add daily method because of the pleco. more bacteria *should be* present when i finish. right?

 

[tttnjfttt]

yup, thats the theory. I have seen ammonia readings higher than that when i first began in my own tank (any guesses on how many fish got flushed?)

 

[Kairi]

lots? guess that's my problem w/ my other tank. gr.

 

[tttnjfttt]

time, patience, and a whole lot of partial water changes when cycling wiht fish

 

[Kairi]

ok- one drop gave me about 4ppm. will that be ok? i almost can bet 2 drops would give me 8ppm- which is too high- again. the heaters should be here soon.... can i go ahead and add the ammonia? or wait til i get the heaters and the rest of the gravel?

 

[bunjiweb]

I've always used fish to cycle. Some people say its mean but i have never lost a fish during cycle. After i set up my first tank i have then moved gravel or filter media across to the new tank to establish bacteria, and have added a couple of fish straight away. If you then wait for a couple of weeks your tank should be ready to add a few more fish. By adding slowly the bacteria is able to keep up with the ammount of waste produced.

Having said this, i wish i had the time to do a proper fish-less cycle. I never have, and to be honest, as long as i have another well established tank setup i can't see that I will.

Ben

 

[Kairi]

well, i'm sure i could cycle the 75 gallon w/ the fish i have now, but i don't want to put them through that again. i don't see it as fair. plus some of them are just plain mean. i'd rather not give them a head start to claim territory.

 

[tttnjfttt]

what fish do you have that are mean? looking at your signature, the tetras could be agressive since they are not in a school.

 

[Kairi]

it's the buenos aires tetras. they nip the fins of the pristellas and the marble molly (who is currently living in a breeding tank coz they won't leave her alone!) i didn't pay attention when i bought them and got 2 different kinds of fish- i really only wanted the pristellas.

is 4ppm ok???