What type of ammonia?

[MollyFan1]

I had put my 20 gallon filter on my 10-gallon, it was running there for about 9 days to get my 20-gallon cycled quicker. Just today I filled the 20-gallon, added Prime and put the filter back. I added 5 drops of clear ammonia and the reading was only 0.50 ppm. I hope I am using the right ammonia. ..the ingredients are ammonia hydroxide and surfactant. Is this the right type to use?

 

[MollyFan1]

Oh no! I think I messed up!! My boyfriend got me this ammonia telling me it was the right ammonia to use to cycle the tank. I just did research online where it states that the ammonia should be 100% ammonia with nothing else added. I don't know if I should empty out the water and clean out the rocks....please help!

 

[Omega]

I use Goldex from Walmart.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

Oh no! I think I messed up!! My boyfriend got me this ammonia telling me it was the right ammonia to use to cycle the tank. I just did research online where it states that the ammonia should be 100% ammonia with nothing else added. I don't know if I should empty out the water and clean out the rocks....please help!

if it isnt 100% or pure ammonia i would take it out right away and clean it all really well. i also use Goldex that i got from walmart.

 

[MollyFan1]

Okay I'm taking all the water out right now and I will wash the rocks out well. Will the filter be affected in any way? Should I rinse in tank water from my other tank? I'm just panicking right now!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would wash everything. basically you will be killing your cycle and starting over. you might want to put the filter for the 20 gal back on the 10 when you washed it. what are you putting in this 20 gal?

 

[MollyFan1]

I was planning on moving my two mollies and probably the 2 cories to this 20 gallon tank once it's cycled. I still don't have plans for any other fish except to add two more cory catfish. About starting the cycle it's alright, I just added the ammonia a few hours ago so I will just put the filter back onto the tank. Thanks so much for the help.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

you could always switch everything over to your 20. move all the gravel filter everything to the new tank. add your filter for the 20 gal and after a few weeks take the filter for the 10 gal and move it over to the 10. that would jump start the cycle on the 10.

its a idea.

 

[MollyFan1]

I emptied out all the water and took the tank to the tub and rinsed all the gravel from the 20 gallon. If I do just change them over to the 20 gallon, do I have to include the gravel from the 10-gallon? I don't really like the gravel I have for my ten gallon. Would simply moving the ornaments, plants, filter and water be enough?

Thanks!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

the more you move over the less chance for a cycle or a mini cycle. its really up to you and how much work you want to do. if you dont want to switch the gravel you should test your water more just to make sure everything is ok.