New Fishless Cycle - Too much Ammonia

[larry2210]

Hi all,

About two weeks ago I started a fishless cycle. I added ammonia and have yet to see any change, lower ammonia or nitrites. The ammonia reading is quite high (over 5ppm). Could the high ammonia be failing to allow the cycle to start, or am I being to impatient?

The tank is a 10g.

Thank you.

Larry

 

[reignman40]

Sometimes it will take 2-3 weeks before you begin to see a drop in ammonia. Just be patient. If you put in too much it's ok, the cycle will still progress normally.

 

[RTR]

It would be better to reduce the ammonia to no more than 5 ppm. At higher levels it is going to take longer, and there is a good chance of inhibiting the nitrite-oxiders.

 

[larry2210]

Thank you all. To reduce the level would it be better to get one of those ammonia reducing additivies, or to do a whole scale water change?

Larry

 

[mishi8]

Thank you all. To reduce the level would it be better to get one of those ammonia reducing additivies, or to do a whole scale water change?

Larry

A water change will do the trick. If the water change reduces the ammonia level too much, then redose ammonia bit by bit until it's up to 4-5ppm. I find a medicine dropper to be an accurate tool for dosing.

 

[Blueiz]

Do a water changet to reduce the ammnia, the additives to reduce ammonia only lock it in to a non harmful state for fish. The bio filter will have to remove the extra ammonia anyway. If you do a wter change the you h ave removed it, the additives for "removeing" ammonia do not actually remove it. Happy Fishkeeping!!