Stubborn Ammonia Levels -.-

Blabomb

So exactly one week ago I started the fishless cycle using pure ammonia in my 55g tank. I put 5 mL of Ace Hardware Janitorial Strength ammonia in my tank and it brought my ammonia level to ~6ppm. Possibly a little higher. The problem is that is has been an entire week and NONE of my levels have even budged at all! Ammonia still shows ~6 on my API liquid test. Should I be worried? What should I do?

leogtr

just wait a bit longer..add some tetra safe start, or plants could help out a bit..

the pure ammonia method is tricky

do another thread asking if anyone has done the pure ammonia method of cycling that might help!

good luck!!!

Blabomb

I already added a bottle of tetra safe start I don't think it helped too much.
But I need help I'm really confused! I thought I was doing everything good!!
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1077

Might reduce ammonia to four mL and give it another week, Can take two weeks to three weeks before nitrites appear.
Once nitrites appear,I would reduce ammonia by one half.

Blabomb

Alright I will try reducing my ammonia and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice :)
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Blabomb

So my ammonia levels are still very stable at 5ppm and will not move. Am I being impatient or is there something I am not doing correctly?

FuzzyDunlop

I bought the Ace ammonia too and I think I added too much ammonia initially. My reading was definitely over 6ppm, and it stayed that way for 9 days. Finally I did a pwc and brought it down to around 4-5ish. After a few days the ammonia dropped a bit and I saw nitrites. Good luck.

Blabomb

Ok thank you for the advice. I think I will lower it even more. Hopefully this wont take too long!

aunt kymmie

Yes.

Blabomb

Thats what I was afraid of. hahah :P