Hi all!
I am 5 weeks into a fishless cycle that seems to be going nowhere, and now i'm questioning if my ammonia readings are actually ammonium (since the API liquid kits test for TAN). Hope someone may have some advice about a next step to take!
Levels for the last 5 weeks:
ph 6-6.2
ammonia 4
nitrite 0-.25
nitrate 0
temp 78
Here is what i have:
10 g new, HOB with sponge filter new
ada aquasoil substrate (which leeches ammonia)
treated tap water also treated with stress zyme (original tap has ph of 7.6 with no ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate)
heavily planted with anacharis, swords, and java fern (already making babies!)
bogwod, two rocks
and in last two weeks planaria and malaysian trumpet snails have appeared (from plants i'm guessing)
because my ph is lower could my ammonia levels actually be ammonium?? or is my cycle just stalled because of low ph? if so what do i do? please help!
thank you!
I am 5 weeks into a fishless cycle that seems to be going nowhere, and now i'm questioning if my ammonia readings are actually ammonium (since the API liquid kits test for TAN). Hope someone may have some advice about a next step to take!
Levels for the last 5 weeks:
ph 6-6.2
ammonia 4
nitrite 0-.25
nitrate 0
temp 78
Here is what i have:
10 g new, HOB with sponge filter new
ada aquasoil substrate (which leeches ammonia)
treated tap water also treated with stress zyme (original tap has ph of 7.6 with no ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate)
heavily planted with anacharis, swords, and java fern (already making babies!)
bogwod, two rocks
and in last two weeks planaria and malaysian trumpet snails have appeared (from plants i'm guessing)
because my ph is lower could my ammonia levels actually be ammonium?? or is my cycle just stalled because of low ph? if so what do i do? please help!
thank you!