what to use for ammonia source?

[stevedpepper]

I'm about to begin cycling a huge 250g with Start Smart. My questions are:
1) what do I use for ammonia (a raw piece of shrimp I have heard before but will a single shrimp be enough)?
2) when do i put the ammonia source in the tank (beginning, middle, end?)?
3) how do I know when the cycle is complete?

Thank you,

 

[Terrance]

You can go to Ace Hardware store and buy their ammonia. Add a few drops of ammonia every 1-2 days until your test kit show 0 ammonia and nitrIte but with lots of nitrAte. Should take 3-5 weeks to complete.

 

[AquaRick]

+1 fishless cycling with pure ammonia. Here's a good article on AA about it:

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice

 

[mellowyellow]

Use pure ammonia. If you're confused about it, if you shake the bottle and it foams, don't use it. And, there are several very good articles here at AA that will take you through the cycling process day by day. I used it and it worked great. Good luck.