Cycle Question RSR250

[cscultho]

Can I use regular ammonia from the grocery store to help spike the ammonia during my cycle? Im only 5 days into the cycle and have yet to see any traces of ammonia spike only nitrates. Or should i just add a piece of raw shrimp?

65gallon tank w/35lbs LR
ph 7.8-8.0
salinity 1.023
RO/DI / Redsea salt

 

[nereefpat]

yes, ammonia from the grocery store will work great. Just make sure it is pure ammonia, without any soaps, perfumes, etc. Raw shrimp works fine too.

Ideally, you want to see ammonia spike up to about 2ppm. Then stop adding NH4, or take out the shrimp.

 

[mcgyvr]

When one uses live rock/ live sand/bacteria in a bottle,etc.. you may not notice a cycle at all.. very common as the rock,etc.. is already populated with bacteria that can process the ammonia,etc.. quickly..
BUT... Don't rush it.. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.. There is no valid reason that you can't just wait a few weeks and then start adding critters just to be on the safe side..
Or try ammonia dosing (up to 2ppm) and see that its being fully processed in 24 hours or less..

 

[thegrun]

Be sure the ammonia does not have surfactants, many do. Shake the bottle of ammonia, if it suds up it has surfactants and should not be used. Ace Hardware carries ammonia without surfactants, most grocery stores do not.

 

[Blitzer]

Go shrimp, it's more fun to buy just one at the grocery store

 

[mcgyvr]

Go shrimp, it's more fun to buy just one at the grocery store

I love doing that stuff just to watch the faces of the cashier...

1 shrimp and a can of whip cream please... party.....

My wife always thinks is funny to send me for a box of tampons and a jar of pickles..

 

[JUNBUG361]

I love doing that stuff just to watch the faces of the cashier...

1 shrimp and a can of whip cream please... party.....

My wife always thinks is funny to send me for a box of tampons and a jar of pickles..

Lol