Hi everybody, 3 days ago i started my new aquapod24 with a 1" layer of argonite and 24lbsof lr. when should i start seeing a spike in ammonia, so far ammonia tested 0. My salinety is at 1.023 and ph is very low at 7.9, should we get a ph & alkalinity buffer. I AM NOT IN A HURRY AND WAnT EVERYTHING TO GO WELL, wich is very hard for me being a very impatient person. Maybe someone could possibly give me the correct cycling info, because there is so much conflicting information out there between books internet and lfs's it has got me very confused. Wish everybody a happy and healthy holiday season . from Stuart, Gerry (my wife) Maximus & Natasha (our dogs) and last but not least Emily % Mickey (our cats).
starting cycle
- Thread starter stuart
- Start date
rescuediver19
New Member
The spike in ammonia is due to your tank cycling, during this period the ammonia and nitrites spike and eventually even off. As your tank cycles or matures (usually taking 1-4 weeks) these levels will rise to dangerous levels, and then balance. The ammonia and nitrites are broken down by bacteria developing in your tank and form nitrates (hence weekly water changes once it has cycled). Dont be alarmed, as EVERYONES tank does this (which it is apparent you already know), and its actually a good thing because it grows beneficial bacteria that will serve as a natural biofilter in your tank. The process that is occuring is called the nitrogen cycle incase you were curious. Here is a link that describes it in more detail, but in my oppinion, save your test kit for a week or two later because the levels WILL be high . My friend has a 20 gallon tank and it took his about 1 month to cycle, which is mainly because he didnt put live rock in from the get go...
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html
Good luck and welcome to the nanotank world! And good luck! :gcool
With your attitude you'll go far in this hobby!
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html
Good luck and welcome to the nanotank world! And good luck! :gcool
With your attitude you'll go far in this hobby!
Thanks for your quick reply's, i just thought the spike in ammonia would start right away. I mentioned my low ph should we wait before using some sort of buffer???. I will take some pictures when i learn how to take aquarium pics and how to send them out over the internet. THANKS STUART
Yes wait to use any buffers because the ammonia and nitrites can actually mask what your true pH is. PH is (if I remember correctly) temperature dependent as well so make sure that your sample is at ideal tank temps.
Another way to kick start your tank is to use a piece of cocktail shrimp. You will need to be sure that it's a raw piece that is unseasoned. Just toss it in. All that your tank needs is something to decompose so that the bacteria can break it down and make some ammonia. Once the ammonia has kicked in, you can remove the shrimp. A word of caution must be expressed. DO NOT SMELL THE SHRIMP...especially out of couriosity. I did and just about blew chunks everywhere.
:lol:
Another way to kick start your tank is to use a piece of cocktail shrimp. You will need to be sure that it's a raw piece that is unseasoned. Just toss it in. All that your tank needs is something to decompose so that the bacteria can break it down and make some ammonia. Once the ammonia has kicked in, you can remove the shrimp. A word of caution must be expressed. DO NOT SMELL THE SHRIMP...especially out of couriosity. I did and just about blew chunks everywhere.
:lol: