Proper parameters for RCS tank?

[krazyK]

Hello everyone,

I finally got around to setting up my 10g aquarium, so far its just a fauna-less aquascape. This is the second week that it has been running and I finally did a water test on it today. The results came back:
(pH-6.0) - (Ammonia-8.0ppm) - (Nitrite 5.0ppm) - (Nitrate 5.0ppm)

I'm assuming the low pH is coming from the DIY co2 that is hooked up and the high Ammonia is coming from the osmocote+ capsules. Is this the peaking point on tank cycling before its finished?

Also could any of these be a contributing factor towards the test results?
- Rocks were collected from a creek. ( were bleached and boiled)
-Tree was made of Eastern red cedar ( has been aged for 10plus years and bleached/boiled)
-ADA soil with Osmocote Plus capsules (5)
-Silicone sealant used to hold the tree branches together.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Coyne]

The high ammonia is likely from the ADA soil. Its pretty notorious for increasing ammonia in the water for several weeks. The super high ammonia and the super low pH will probably stall out your cycle.
Id recommend PWCs to get that ammonia down and also for you to figure out why your pH is so low.