Ammonia questions

[Race2d]

Freshwater*

 

[OasisKeeper]

By my calc for a 46 gal.. 4% ammonia .. 5ml per ppm NH3 (about 1 teaspoon).
I would do 2 teaspoons and check in a couple hours.

 

[Broke EF]

OK, I just tested and dosed my tank. I am waiting for the dose to mix up a little and Ill test again. My ammonia was 0, and I added exactly 1 teaspoon (1ml). I measured the spoon I normally use, and it came out to exactly one teaspoon So I will let you know what it is with just 1 tsp. added.

Sean

 

[Broke EF]

Update, and possible correction. I tested after adding 1 teaspoon (measured) of ammonia. I was reading what looked like between 2 and 3 ppm. So I added another 1/2 teaspoon (measured) and will check again. However, when I was looking, my measuring spoons say the ml of each. I had googled it before and I read 1ml per teaspoon, however mine say 5ml on the 1 teaspoon, and 2.5ml on the 1/2 teaspoon.

So to clarify, I started with 0ppm of ammonia in my 46 gallon bow front. Added 5ml of ACE ammonia (10%) and read 2-3ppm. Added another 2.5ml (total of 7.5ml) and am waiting to test again in about 10min. I will follow up with the next results.

Sean

 

[Broke EF]

OK final results, with pictures!

On the left its the start, middle is 1 teaspoon (measured), right is 1-1/2 teaspoon (measured).


Sean

 

[Race2d]

Ok so once the ammonia is up do I keep adding it to the tank on a daily base if the tank is still at a 2 ppm still

 

[nextgeneration40]

I have gotten Ace brand ammonia at dollar stores and stores such as Big Lots also..

 

[Broke EF]

Well, I am no expert by any means but this is how I did mine so far (still cycling).

Started by testing everything to see where I started. Tested the tap water to see what I was working with. I then added ammonia to get it to 4ppm, I think it took about 1 teaspoon just like it is now. I know I added a little, then waited about 30 min, and then tested. Repeated until it read 4ppm.

Then I tested every other day, and when it was down to 1ppm I dosed it back up to 4ppm. Then I kept testing every other day until I had to dose it again. At some point I was noticing things were going quicker so I started testing every day. When I would turn 4ppm of ammonia down to 0 in 24 hours I started testing for Nitrites and Nitrates. Right now I test ammonia each day (and have to dose it each day) and I test Nitrites, and Nitrates every other day.

That's where I am at now. My Nitrites are off the scale, and my Nitrates are close to 40ppm. From what I understand, when both the Nitrites and Nitrates are off the scale then you do a massive water change (50-60%) and keep on testing. Eventually you will turn 4ppm of ammonia to 0ppm of ammonia, and 0ppm Nitrites, in 24 hours.

Hope that helps you some!

Sean

 

[Race2d]

Think I got it now thanks everyone for the help