Cycling: Step by Step

I bought a shringe and used 1 cc until I started to see ammonia and then cut back to 1/2 cc.

Then I stopped adding once I was showing nitrites and nitrates and just added fish food (no fish) until all went to zero and a small amount of nitrates.
 
Sparkplug said:
BUT what IF YOU HAVE used this kind of ammonia?

SP
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At a MINIMUM, I would do a series of huge/complete water changes until 0 ammonia registers and then do another for good measure to be sure and flush it all out before starting again with pure ammonia. I wouldn't be surprised to see others here recommend a complete tear-down and thorough cleaning before starting over. How far into the cycle are you?
 
Well, everything was ok with the ammonia and working like it should UNTIL I realized that I was using the wrong kind of ammonia.

One plant started to look funny. I had stopped using ammonia but didn't use it for very long overall. I did a huge water change (right down to the rocks, and rinsed out my plants). I ran the tank for a few more days. At the time i noticed that i was using the wrong stuff, I would add and the ammonia would show then be gone when i tested later.

I did another 25% change, i'm testing zero ammonia, zero nitrites and 5 nitrates. Things have been stable for days now.

I tested all my stuff and I have 7.4 PH, 20 GH, 30 KH.

SP
 
I would agree with the complete braekdown and start over after hours and hours of rinsing. Foamy ammonia is compounded with surfactants and/or detergents, which is certain death for any fish added.

Gravels, filter media and such - anything absorbent - I would toss and replace.
 
My family owns a blueprint shop, and we use ammonia by the jug. Does anyone know if the type of ammonia used for making blueprints is the same kind that should be used? Maybe I can mooch some off dad. :p
 
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