How much ammonia should I add to cycle my tank with?

Hello all, I want to cycle my 29 gallon tank that has been up for some time and the ammonia is already at 0.25 ppm according to my API test kit. I’m a tad confused about how much to add to achieve the recommended 2.0 ppm to start with. Any advice?

 

Hello all, I want to cycle my 29 gallon tank that has been up for some time and the ammonia is already at 0.25 ppm according to my API test kit. I’m a tad confused about how much to add to achieve the recommended 2.0 ppm to start with. Any advice?

What are you using as an ammonia source (sounds like fish food?) and how long has the tank been running? Have you tested for nitrites yet?

If you are using fish food, when is the last time you fed the tank? As you said, I generally suggest getting the ammonia level up to 2.0 ppm.

What do you mean that "the ammonia is already at 0.25 ppm"?

 

I am actually using Dr Tim’s as an ammonia source, and the tank has been up for about 2 1/2 months. Some of the plant matter decaying has, I believe, led to the small 0.25 ammonia spike. Basically I’m just trying to figure out how much of the ammonia I should add when accounting for the pre existing ammonia in order to reach 2.0 ppm and not go over/under. My nitrites have stayed consistently at 0.

 

I am actually using Dr Tim’s as an ammonia source, and the tank has been up for about 2 1/2 months. Some of the plant matter decaying has, I believe, led to the small 0.25 ammonia spike. Basically I’m just trying to figure out how much of the ammonia I should add when accounting for the pre existing ammonia in order to reach 2.0 ppm and not go over/under. My nitrites have stayed consistently at 0.

Dr. Tim’s ammonium chloride? And you’ve been dosing Dr. Tim’s for 2 1/2 months? When is the last time you added it?

Have you tested for nitrates?

 

No, this will be my first time dosing the ammonia. The nitrates are also at 0. The ammonia has been stuck at 0.25 ppm for about a month or so. I’m just trying to get it up to 2.0 ppm ammonia and add beneficial bacteria so it will cycle

 

The bottle of Dr. Tim’s should include dosing instructions to get to 2.0 ppm?

Because I think some folks have overdosed ammonia by following those instructions, I’d suggest dosing half of the recommended amount. Test the ammonia level 30 minutes or so after dosing and add more if you need to.

Because this is a fishless cycle, it’s not a big deal if you end up with an ammonia level “around” 2.0 ppm. Because you already have 0.25 ppm of ammonia, dosing 2.0 ppm and getting to a level of 2.25 ppm would be absolutely fine.

What is your pH level?

 

Thank you! My pH is about 8.0 in the tank, maybe a bit higher out of the tap

 

Thank you! My pH is about 8.0 in the tank, maybe a bit higher out of the tap

You’re welcome. Your pH is fine for cycling. Last suggestion. . . If you haven’t already, test your source water for ammonia.

 

Ok, sounds good. I will certainly do that