Fishless Cycle Problems

[Brody3665]

I am attempting to cycle my 120 gallon tank the fishless method this time. I am using two uncooked shrimp to start the cycle and they have been in the tank for 1 week and so far no ammonia readings. The temp in the tank is around 80 degrees.

Is there something that I am doing wrong? I am tempted to go back to using fish the cycle, but hope I can make this way work..

Thanks

[hurricanejedi]

Why not try some pure ammonia from the store? It sure would be easier to get the readings you want.

[TetraFreak]

I went to the local "Dollar Tree" store and bought a gallon of Pure Ammonia for a buck! that would prolly be the best way to go!

[EcoPit]

I concur--get some ammonia and use that. I had to go to a few different stores to find it, but it has been totally worth it. That way you completely control the concentration of ammonia in the tank.

[rrkss]

Yup I agree. The ammonia is nice to have when you are done fishless cycling. I recently took my oven/stove unit apart and cleaned up all the grease from it with the ammonia. Stunk the place up but worked like a charm