tank set up, how much amonia

[ouiouigirl]

Okay folks, this is it, gravel, water, heater, power filter and air pump are all in. I'm ready to start my fishless cycle. I have a 30g hex tank. how much amonia do you think I need to put in to spike it at 5ppm?
thanks
ps: tap water Ph is 8.4 planning on tropical freshwater, what should I do?

 

[Roan Art]

Okay folks, this is it, gravel, water, heater, power filter and air pump are all in. I'm ready to start my fishless cycle. I have a 30g hex tank. how much amonia do you think I need to put in to spike it at 5ppm?
thanks

It depends on what ammonia you are going to use. Every manufacturer makes it differently. You'll have to just add a bit at a time until you get to 5ppm.

ps: tap water Ph is 8.4 planning on tropical freshwater, what should I do?

Nothing, really. What's the GH and KH?

Roan

 

[ouiouigirl]

Hardness 120
Alkalinity 120
Nitrate 0
nitrite 0.5
amonia 0.5

I conditioned the water with aqua+ to remove chlorine and chloramines
I have regular unalterred amonia in a bottle I need a ballpark of how much amonia I should put in, as in capfuls, ounces etc...sounds stupid as a question but hey it's a lot of water I'll have to remove if I goof!
thanks

 

[daveedka]

Start with one Teaspoon and test the results. I Imagine It will take something in the range of 2-3 teaspoons to get you where you want to be.

In case you wonder, Ammonia dissipates extremely rapidly in water. You don't need to wait more than a few seconsds before testing for results.

Your GH and Kh look Fine, I wouldn't monkey with the pH level in any way if it were my tank.

?Based solely on your numbers, I imagine you have Chloramines????
If you do Then I'd be looking for some prime or Amquel plus before The fish get there. Most dechlorinators claim to deal with Chloramines, TTBOMK only Prime and Amquel plus deal with the Chloramine bond, as well as the free amonia that is releaed when the bond is Broken.
During your Fishless cycle, this will not matter one bit, since there is nothing in the tank to be harmed by the free ammonia.
Dave

 

[ouiouigirl]

Thanks for your quick answer. I'll check teh Amquel product once I'm ready to stock the tank. My 4 yo is really excited about the tank and it's going to be hard to make him understand about the waiting process.

 

[daveedka]

Get him a fish book with pictures and ask him to help you find what fish to get. The research project will keep him occupied, and all the pretty pictures will be fun for him. If you don't have the coin to buy a big fish book, get one from the library. It will be due back about the time you are ready to buy fish. 4 year olds are amazing human beings.

Dave