Reassurance and questions

D

d44hook

That's me in the corner
Nov 26, 2005
22
0
0
Clarksville, TN
Yesterday I started my 55Gal tank after heavy reading here and waiting on my filter (Eheim 2217) and other things for initial set up from Big Als. Having filled the tank and treated for chlorine/mine, I doused my tank with almost 1/2 cup of ammonia (Clear all Purpose) and took my first tests.

Ammonia was 8+ /off my chart so hard to tell. 0 Nitrites and my PH is also off the scale at 8.8. Just for a little comfort as I am very nervous about this fishless cycle and doing things right, does this seem normal?

Also I am thinking about getting some 3/8 pvc piping to route my intake and pressure hoses along the very top of my glass and around the side and then down into the stand and to the filter (would be much more appealing as the aquarium is in the center of a room and visible from all angles).

Has anyone ever done this or have any recommendations on the best way to run 5/8 tubing (Came with Eheim 2217) along the top, around the side and then down into the cannister?
 
kveeti said:
You have to do more controlled dosing of ammonia. Do water changes until your ammonia registers 5 ppm.

And welcome to Aquaria Central!!!
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Thx for the welcome and reply! So at this point would you suggest that I shouldnt add any more ammonia until it drops down to 5 ppm and THEN continue on with my ammonia dosing but in smaller/controlled amounts or do I need to do some water change and add smaller doses of ammonia till I reach 5 ppm?
 
When I did my fishless cycle I used a measurement based on this thread (Fishless ) of 4-5 drops per 10 gallons. For a 55 gallon this would be between 1/2 and 3/4 of a teaspoon which is a lot less than a 1/2 cup. You mey need to change out a lot of the water..
 
Too much ammonia may inhibit the process (I believe I have read that). I would get it down to 5 ppm to start, then you can actually see what's happening, i.e. nothing or dropping, and adding drops to bring it back up to 5 ppm. UNTIL you start to see nitrItes, then you dose less ammonia. But, meanwhile, you will get a good feel for how many drops equates what.
 
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