Should I top up a tank that's cycling?

[doctorb]

My tank (35G) has been cycling for a week and a half with two raw jumbo shrimp. My ammonia level rose quickly and has read at 8 ppm (max for the test) for 4 days now. Nitrites are still 0.

I have noticed that some water has evaporated out of the tank over this time. I figure I'm not supposed to be changing water at this time becasue I will get rid of some ammonia, but should I be topping the tank up? I didn't know if the chlorine in the fresh water will kill any bacteria that is growing (and if I add dechlorinator to the new water if it will get rid of some ammonia in the tank).

[Mgamer20o0]

i would do a water change to bring the ammonia down to 4-5ppm.

yes you can top it off also just treat the water.

[doctorb]

Thanks, I was wondering if its possible to have too high an ammonia level. Maybe the two jumbo shrimp are a little to much for a 35G tank? I will try the water change anyway. ~ 50% water change you think?

[J double R]

pretty sure that anything above 5 ppm is too much.. not sure of the detriment of too much ammonia in a non-fish cycling tank, but better safe with a tried and true method than sorry. you know? :)

[Mgamer20o0]

a 50% wc should put it at 4ppm unless its over 8ppm. that might be too much shrimp. just keep watching the tank.

[davexstumpe]

the smell must be terrible?

[Rbishop]

My reading results in long term levels at 6 and above can retard the cycle.

I would do a 50% water change, using Prime. Try to hold at 5ppm.

[doctorb]

Thanks guys I'm going to try the water change. The smell was starting to get a little bad but then I either got used to it or it got a little better. I might try taking one of the shrimp out too.

[jm1212]

if you use dechlorinator on the new water, it shouldnt impact the bacteria.

once your cycle is done, make sure to change part of the water if your nitrates are over 20