The Q-tank questions - Part II

[chrisinha]

Sorry, but I'm still cycling my q-tank...

So, I guess I exagerated in the amount of ammonia I had added... The readings went to over 8ppm. Then, I bought Bio-Spira and dumped the whole package in there. After 24 hours, the readings went down to a little bit over 4ppm. I did a 30% water change, and added de-chlorinated water.

Now what?? Should I buy more Bio-Spira? I have credit at the LFS, so I can get one pack more.

 

[Harlock]

I wouln't add more BIO-Spira. Give it another 24 hours and see if the tank eliminates the 4ppm ammonia. What are your nitrite and nitriate readings after adding BIO-Spira?

 

[chrisinha]

errr... i have not checked those

 

[chrisinha]

as of now the readings are:

ammonia 4 ppm
nitrites 5 ppm
nitrates 20 > (as it is really hard to distiguish anything above 20 in this ridiculous chart)

 

[chrisinha]

follow up

ammonia dropped considerably: less than 1 ppm
nitrites still high: 5 ppm

 

[Harlock]

Okay, you're cycling then. Dose ammonia back to 4-5 ppm and keep it up.

 

[chrisinha]

Dose ammonia back to 4-5 ppm and keep it up.

:rant:



just kidding....

 

[chrisinha]

today's readings:

ammonia .25 ppm
nitrite: 2 ppm
nitrate: 20 ppm

 

[happychem]

Awesome! keep dosing NH3 to 5ppm, keep an eye on pH and KH.

 

[chrisinha]

how many times do i have to dose ammonia back??

i have a KH test but dont know how to use it.