Cycling using pure ammonia HELP

I have been using slightly less than a quarter teaspoon in my 5 gallon when it dips below 4ppm. I have had it as high as 8ppm or possibly higher, I am not really sure, but the bacteria is chewing through that amount of ammonia every two days or so right now, so I am not too worried about overdosing it. My Nitrites are still super high though, so I am keeping at it. I just keep crossing my fingers every night when I test that my Nitrites will finally drop.

Not that I have a ride to the fish store for fish at the moment, but that is another thread... grumble...mumble...stupid dead car....grumble....
 
Yeah i was going to ask...how long does it take for the bacteria to start breaking down the ammonia because i just test my water and theres still like 2ppm of ammonia left from when i added ammonia yesterday...im guessing as the bacteria grows it will get faster but how long does it generally take at first and when should i add more ammonia?
 
Wolfman, just follow along what rbishop says in his freshwater cycling article with pure ammonia (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598)-it's really complete and easy to follow. I am doing the same cycle also and it's been a week and I have the ammonia at 5.0 ppm and no nitrites have shown up yet. People say it can take 1-3 weeks to get nitrites. I have put gravel and a used filter from an established tank in my tank also so it just takes time.
 
No prob man, keep us posted here about your cycling numbers and I will also. I'm disappointed my filter and gravel from an established tank haven't helped speed mine along. I would raise your ammonia to 4-5 ppm and keep it that, until the nitrites (then do 2 ppm or so).
 
You will be much faster with a bacterial source. It's an open question how long it will take for the right bacteria to happen to fall into the tank.
 
That's what I thought Karl, but adding gravel and a used filter media from an established tank sure hasn't speeded mine up at all.
 
With a good innoculation it can be as quick as 10 days. However, it's easy to kill all the bacteria before you introduce them; the media and/or gravel mustn't be allowed to become dry or anoxic; you need to keep them damp, in an open container, and move fast.
 
for a good inoculation you could try sneezing in it :barf:

...or not...

sounds like all is going well and it is just a matter of time!
 
Ok I'm worried now lol Yesterday my ammonia level was at 2ppm so i added a little more to bump it back up to 4ppm, then today i tested it and it seems like its way above 5ppm like almost at 8ppm...im guessing thats not good
 
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