ammonia levels stuck at 2.0 for 3 days now

I would just jump it...get some established gravel and go from there, if ya can. Otherwise keep doing what BFM said and eventually, eventually, you'll get results. I has no patience lol :P

:cheers:
 
Without plants and if you did not do a water change between those nitrate readings, I would only conclude your nitrate testing is off. You just have to be patient on the cycling.
 
Cycling a tank is a gruesome test on your patience. This is one part you don't want to hurry or take untested/unproven shortcuts. Be patient and just keep up with the advice offered. One you have cycled your first tank, any additional tanks will take much less time as you can "Borrow things to jump start the cycle.

Hang in there!
 
i am being patient, I know it may not seem that way. I just want to make sure its not ME screwing something up is all. I have done a 20 % water change ever other day so i suppose that could be where my Nitrates went..

I got the Ammonia up to 4.0 ppm now and we shall see if thats a more sustainable level for the bacteria than the 2.0 ive had it at.

Also ive been dosing with liquid ammonia, it says its 10 % Ammonium Hydroxide, is this a problem ??
 
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when fishless cycling you don't need to do any water changes until you are ready to put fish in there, or unless your ammonia goes above the 4ppm mark (above 4ppm and there is too much ammonia and the bacteria can't colonize). those 20%'ers are probably what is stalling things. stop changing water until your tank is cycled and you are ready to stock it.

could you post a photo of the bottle of ammonia you are using? that'll help us determine if it is the right one. front and back label please!
 
i will but i am at work right now, ill see if I can find a link to it from Ace Hardware
 
ammonia pic.jpg


its 10 % ammonium hydroxide

ammonia pic.jpg
 
good stuff
 
ya i agree, just opening the cap is enough to make you gag.. it seems to be really potant but I guess thats Ammonia for ya. I added way to much at first, i found that as long as i add no more than 1 tsp per 20 gallon since mine is a 20 gallon minus the space Substrate uses, so really 3/4 of a tsp is PLENTY
 
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