Api test kit and fishless cycle?

[G_matto]

So I just started my first fishless cycle yesterday and I have a random question.

I've added two capfuls of ammonia to the tank (20g) last night and this morning I took my first reading. Now with the API master test kit, I'm sitting somewhere in the grey area between 2ppm and 4ppm.

Should I add more ammonia to try and bring it up to a more defined reading of 4ppm or should I let it stay where it's at?

Thanks for any help!
~Greg

 

[EddyC]

Hi Greg,

I'm new to this game as well and in the process of doing my own fishless cycle. from what i have read 4ppm is about right but it would sound at anything from 2 to 4 is fine and not really worth splitting the hairs. the big thing to watch out for is a change in levels which should show your bacteria is working/ feeding!

I'm sure someone else will jump in and correct me.

 

[twoodrough]

I have cycled a few tanks and agree. The point is to keep a steady amount of ammonia in there to feed the bacteria without going too high which can stall the cycle. You are at the beginning of a very long waiting game. It takes a long time for ammonia to drop at first, so be patient.

 

[jlk]

If you know the '%' of your ammonia, you can use this handy calculator to get an exact dose of ammonia to bring your level precisely to 4ppm.

Calculator

 

[G_matto]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna just wait till I get below 1ppm and crank the ammonia back up. This time it should be a little more exact. Thanks again for all the help!
~Greg