Ammonia, Hard to Find -- Poss Solution?

[mishi8]

So are the surfactants what we're trying to avoid?? Do they list those on the label?? As "surfactants"?? Thanks.

My family owns a blueprint shop, so we have tons of ammonia. But there's a difference in the BAWM, and no one could figure out if that was ok or not, if I remember correctly. I need to look that thread up again...

Edit: Just went to Wal Mart. They have "pure" ammonia for .97. It doesn't foam, but it's label reads: ammonia, surfectants. WTH? Someone has to have their lines crossed somewhere, 'cause nothing adds up... It's frustrating!

Surfactants lessen/break the surface tension of water. Detergent is one form of surfactant. So, in essence, you don't want either listed as an ingredient. You want to look for a bottle of ammonia that has only ammonia, water and possibly chelating agents listed in the ingredients.

 

[daveedka]

Anyone have an idea of bio ball recommendations per gallon?

The store I reference the idea from reccomends one bio-ball per five gallons of aquarium. I have not tested to see if this is adequate to fully protect, or just enough to prevent dissaster. It would be good to test, but that at least gives you a starting number.
Dave

 

[OddFish]

Thanks very much. I am looking into it. Every now and then someone comes in and wants 'gunk'. So we will see.

 

[Roan Art]

So are the surfactants what we're trying to avoid?? Do they list those on the label?? As "surfactants"?? Thanks.

My family owns a blueprint shop, so we have tons of ammonia. But there's a difference in the BAWM, and no one could figure out if that was ok or not, if I remember correctly. I need to look that thread up again...

Edit: Just went to Wal Mart. They have "pure" ammonia for .97. It doesn't foam, but it's label reads: ammonia, surfectants. WTH? Someone has to have their lines crossed somewhere, 'cause nothing adds up... It's frustrating!

Exactly why we need this thread and the information people can add to it. End November i'm getting a new 90g so I'll be out and about looking for ammonia. Probably drive my husband nuts going to every store and writing stuff down. Probably take pics with my camera-phone, too

Hey, if anyone -- even if you don't need ammonia -- runs into a bottle on the self, please pick it up and give it a shake. Note the brand and stuff. If you have a camera-phone, take a pic of the label and send it along here.

Thanks!
Roan

 

[OrionGirl]

I'll make this a sticky for now--might clean it up and make it an article, if there are no objections (and I have the time). If someone else has the time to turn this into an organized article (and lease credit everyone who participated), GO for IT! OG

 

[Roan Art]

I'll make this a sticky for now--might clean it up and make it an article, if there are no objections (and I have the time). If someone else has the time to turn this into an organized article (and lease credit everyone who participated), GO for IT! OG

Thanks, OrionGirl. It needs a lot more info and pics before it's article worthy, I think.

Roan

 

[Liz]

Okay, hypothetically speaking, if someone was doing a fishless cycle and couldn't find any ammonia, could they just urinate in the tank?

 

[Intermision]

No, there are other toxins in urine that would kill the fish.

 

[rrkss]

I have done a successful fishless cycle with pathmark brand clear ammonia. The label says, distilled water, ammonia, and clarifying agents. My tank cycled and I did a 100% water change to be safe. Its been months and no fish deaths from the ammonia I used.

 

[Rava]

I have done a successful fishless cycle with pathmark brand clear ammonia. The label says, distilled water, ammonia, and clarifying agents. My tank cycled and I did a 100% water change to be safe. Its been months and no fish deaths from the ammonia I used.

Where did you buy it?