When is Ammonia too high?

[falconut]

I just started up a QT tank for a Trigger I purchased. It has been setup since Saturday (10/6). I just tested the Ammonia (it was 2) and Nitrites (it was 0.5). The tank is apparently cycling. It's been a while since I've had a tank cycle, so could anybody tell me at what levels I should be concerned. Ideally, they should be 0, but I just want to be sure that the Ammonia isn't too high at 2. I can do water changes if needed to lower it, but I don't want to disturb the tank and fish if it isn't neccessary.

Thanks.

 

[landlord]

The ammonia will most likely be converted into Nitrite --> Nitrate over a period of time (You probably know this). I cannot imagine that it will take much time. During a cycle ammonia seems to convert relatively quick into something less harmfull NO2, NO3.

You can do water changes but if whatever in the tank continues to produce new ammonia (die-off) you may be doing water changes more often. If the fish is doing OK keep doing what you are doing.

Ideally you would want the cycle to complete

FWIW --landlord

BTW To answer your question I believe the 2 is a high reading on Ammonia

 

[KDodds]

With ammonia, anything above 0ppm is a concern. Nitrite should, ideally, be 0ppm as well. Marine fish will generally tolerate nitrite better than their fresh water counterparts, but that's not to say that they should be forced to do so. Ammonia is, IMO, too high at 2ppm, way too high. I'm not sure why you'd worry about a water change "disturbing" the tank and fish, though. I'd NOT be looking into ammonia resins as these will just prolong the "cycle". I'd start the water changes, ASAP.

 

[falconut]

OK, thanks for the info. The Trigger hides whenever I walk around the tank, so I was hoping not scare him more. But, if it's too high, I'd rather scare him a little and do the water change.

 

[Brian24]

Yeap agree with the other posts ammonia above 0 is bad but normal with initial cycling.