Chozon1

Alrighty, after finally obtaining my ammonia testing kit, I eagerly set about testing to figure out where I am in my cycle. My water parameters are:

pH: 7.2
KH: 80
GH: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0
Ammonia: 8.0

My first reaction to the ammonia test was "Sweet color!" then I read the chart and was decidedly less impressed.

Should I do a water change to lower the ammonia or leave it where it is? What else should I do? I've got my heater set to 80 degrees, I think. And put in fish food every 24 hours or so.

Also, how dangerous is the API ammonia testing liquid? And how can I safely dispose of it?

pepetj

I certainly would do a 50% water change to bring it to 4ppm. Ammonia above 6ppm is likely to stall the cycle.

Glad you got your test kit!

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Chozon1

Ah, thanks. Do you think it can it wait a few days or should I do it now? I'm about to leave town.

pepetj

If you are leaving town, then I would consider letting it be as it is. Measure upon arrival and decide from there.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Chozon1

Thanks. ^_^

I'm only a few weeks into the cycle, as I set the tank up in the end of May.

ABCDemily

I'm with you on the pretty colours And I always pour the used water with solution in down the sink, and then mega clean the sink