Ammonia staying around .25 and 1.0

attach a picture of the ammonia bottle. I want to see the lot number. I am only asking because your test booklet looks kinda beat up and aged.

It looks beat up because I’ve had it for a while, it’s gotten water spilled on it, etc. it came looking brand new though.

That looks like a zero reading to me.

I couldn’t tell honestly.
Like if it were .50, .25, or 0

 

From a colorimeter

 

From a colorimeter View attachment 865332

I think .25 for current water.
The attached image is tap

 

I think .25 for current water.
The attached image is tap

You definitely have a tad bit of ammonia in your tap...but that's ok.

Once your tank cycles it will eat that ammonia up pretty quickly after your water changes so don't sweat it.

I'd still reccomend getting some liquid ammonia so that you can control the amount in your tank. I wouldn't dose over 1.5-2ppm in 20 gallons.

It will take a few weeks to build up your bacteria to be able to cycle through 1-2ppm in 24 hours. But it will be worth the time invested.

 

You definitely have a tad bit of ammonia in your tap...but that's ok.

Once your tank cycles it will eat that ammonia up pretty quickly after your water changes so don't sweat it.

I'd still reccomend getting some liquid ammonia so that you can control the amount in your tank. I wouldn't dose over 1.5-2ppm in 20 gallons.

It will take a few weeks to build up your bacteria to be able to cycle through 1-2ppm in 24 hours. But it will be worth the time invested.

Ok! Thank you so much

 

You definitely have a tad bit of ammonia in your tap...but that's ok.

Once your tank cycles it will eat that ammonia up pretty quickly after your water changes so don't sweat it.

I'd still reccomend getting some liquid ammonia so that you can control the amount in your tank. I wouldn't dose over 1.5-2ppm in 20 gallons.

It will take a few weeks to build up your bacteria to be able to cycle through 1-2ppm in 24 hours. But it will be worth the time invested.

Lexiomibjj This^^^ and some patience will get your tank cycled.

Just be careful that you use pure ammonia (no surfactants in the ingredients). Pure ammonia has been hard to find, so I’d suggest Dr. Tim’s ammonium chloride.
https://www.amazon.com/DrTims-Aquat...aps,89&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3GMBSXF8XL5PX

 

Lexiomibjj This^^^ and some patience will get your tank cycled.

Just be careful that you use pure ammonia (no surfactants in the ingredients). Pure ammonia has been hard to find, so I’d suggest Dr. Tim’s ammonium chloride.
https://www.amazon.com/DrTims-Aquatics-Ammonium-Chloride-Treatment/dp/B08GWKZD6N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=35GQR27GMKAY&keywords=dr.+tim's+ammonium+chloride&qid=1668141640&sprefix=Dr.+Tim's+amm,aps,89&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3GMBSXF8XL5PX

Lexiomibjj

This is the ticket!

 

Lexiomibjj

This is the ticket!

View attachment 865340View attachment 865341

Thanks! And for future reference, would a ph of 6.6 be ok for an angelfish?

Thanks! And for future reference, would a ph of 6.6 be ok for an angelfish?

Just tested! (Nitrates are 0)

 

Thanks! And for future reference, would a ph of 6.6 be ok for an angelfish?

Your pH is fine for Angelfish.

You didn’t ask this question, but. . . If you’re thinking about an Angelfish in the 20 gallon tank that’s been the subject of this thread, a 20 gallon is too small for an Angelfish.

Stocking your tank will also require some patience and research. Will the fish work with your tank size, are they temperature and temperament compatible, etc.?

Move slowly and research. . . It will take more time, but you’ll avoid problems and frustration later on.

 

Thanks! And for future reference, would a ph of 6.6 be ok for an angelfish?

Just tested! (Nitrates are 0)

Definitely too small for angels.

On another note....glad to see that nitrite!

Give it some time and it will start turning into nitrate.

You should still get some ammonium chloride though. It looks like your tank is cycling through the ammonia in your tap water.