I filled up my 29gal last night and conditioned it with Prime. This morning I checked the pH was ~8.1 and Ammonia ~0.5. I thought it was kinda strange because I thought Prime was supposed to drop the ammonia to 0. Anyway, I read somewhere to add about two teaspoons of ammonia to start. I checked the ammonia and it was 8ppm+, so I did a 20% water change and Primed the water in the bucket first and let it sit for about 15 mins. When I checked the water about an hour later the ammonia was still showing 8ppm+. What should I do?
Fishless Cycle Begins
- Thread starter Nickfu06
- Start date
:iagree:
What test are you using?
Have you tested your tap water?
If the readings are correct, do a 50% wc to bring it hopefully to 4-5 ppm depending on what the level is at.
What test are you using?
Have you tested your tap water?
If the readings are correct, do a 50% wc to bring it hopefully to 4-5 ppm depending on what the level is at.
So does that mean that the Prime just screwed up all of my ammonia? Will the bacteria still convert the detoxified ammonia?
I am using the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
Tap water tests at 0.5ppm ammonia.
Someone should write in the stickey that your not supposed to use Prime while cycling, I had no idea.
I am using the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
Tap water tests at 0.5ppm ammonia.
Someone should write in the stickey that your not supposed to use Prime while cycling, I had no idea.
You didn't screw it up. You want the tank to have ammonia at 4.0-5.0ppm to start the cycle, then follow the instructions. If you're too high it's not a catastophy.
Test your tap water, straight from the tap no additives, to see what you're dealing with and post it here. Also, test the water in the tank and post it here. People on this board will certainly guide you along if you've got any questions.
Put the prime away for now, you won't need it until you've got fish.
Test your tap water, straight from the tap no additives, to see what you're dealing with and post it here. Also, test the water in the tank and post it here. People on this board will certainly guide you along if you've got any questions.
Put the prime away for now, you won't need it until you've got fish.
I use Prime..
It does a lot, not just neutralize teh bad habits of ammonia. It dechlorinates your tap water and in general helps ready water for WChanges.
I think it is a quality product from a quality company.. Just find the right products and you should be very happy.
I am doing the cycle with Stability atm and having great success...
From everything i have found the ammonia will still be useful for BB...
I am using Prime/Stability right now so if it doesn't work I will be eating my own words.. however some swear by it and I have yet to be disappointed in the companies line. I hear Bio-spira works as well infusing the tank with BB...
If you are still looking for ammonia I would go for some old shrimp as mentioned before or maybe another aquatic raw meat. That seems to offer a good bit of ammonia..
I am using Prime/Stability right now so if it doesn't work I will be eating my own words.. however some swear by it and I have yet to be disappointed in the companies line. I hear Bio-spira works as well infusing the tank with BB...
If you are still looking for ammonia I would go for some old shrimp as mentioned before or maybe another aquatic raw meat. That seems to offer a good bit of ammonia..
You'll be glad you are doing a fishless cycle. I did fish in because the stupid pet store told me that was the ONLY way to cycle a tank. Never heard of fishless. Anyway, long story short. You'll be happy to not have to do 4 partial water changes EVERY NIGHT just so you don't kill the fish. Good luck!