black udder
Aquarium Advice Activist
ok...can't stand the mystery any longer and need some experienced information.
I've got a new 65g. Filled with water, dechlorinated, put in rocks (hard) and plants (it's freshwater for tropicals).
I've read several articles on fishless cycling, so figured I'd give it a try.
I took the ceramic rings from my established tank filter (Fulval 3) and put them in the new cannister filter (XP3). I picked up an ammonia detector (sticks on the glass) and I have the Aquarium Pharm. test kit. I picked up a bottle of clear ammonia from walmart and began the process.
The articles said 2-3 drops per 10g, but nothing registered on the detector on the glass, so I put in about 2 teaspoons (I have a syringe). Still nothing. Tried the AP test and it came back green, but not dark. My daughter and I figure about 1-2 on the chart. Nitrite is .5 on the chart.
Question is, do I just let it sit until the ammonia reaches 0? The sticker in the tank still looks like there's no ammonia in the tank, but if I put a drop on it, it turns purple like it should. Is that just not an accurate measure for the small amount of ammonia I need to put in the tank?
On the bright side, no major ill effects if I have to start from scratch...
Appreciate any input/advice.
I've got a new 65g. Filled with water, dechlorinated, put in rocks (hard) and plants (it's freshwater for tropicals).
I've read several articles on fishless cycling, so figured I'd give it a try.
I took the ceramic rings from my established tank filter (Fulval 3) and put them in the new cannister filter (XP3). I picked up an ammonia detector (sticks on the glass) and I have the Aquarium Pharm. test kit. I picked up a bottle of clear ammonia from walmart and began the process.
The articles said 2-3 drops per 10g, but nothing registered on the detector on the glass, so I put in about 2 teaspoons (I have a syringe). Still nothing. Tried the AP test and it came back green, but not dark. My daughter and I figure about 1-2 on the chart. Nitrite is .5 on the chart.
Question is, do I just let it sit until the ammonia reaches 0? The sticker in the tank still looks like there's no ammonia in the tank, but if I put a drop on it, it turns purple like it should. Is that just not an accurate measure for the small amount of ammonia I need to put in the tank?
On the bright side, no major ill effects if I have to start from scratch...
Appreciate any input/advice.