TSS+ First Question

So I tested my water today 48 hours after adding fish and TSS+. I'm showing next to no ammonia. Is this normal and okay? The tanks are heavily planted, but I just wanted to see if anyone knows the answer to this. The ammonia in my tap comes in at .5 or so, so I can clearly tell there is showing next to none. I have two platies in each ten gallon tank.

Probably just getting anxious about nothing...but thought I'd ask.

 

I thought somewhere in the forums I read people say to wait to do the water tests (10 days?). The Q&A post says there should be some ammonia though. Was the TSS expired?

 

You probably should be seeing some ammonia. Did you do any water changes in those 48 hours?

I have read from various people that TSS can sometimes do wacky things to their tank parameters, so that's why some people say wait to do water tests. But I don't see the harm in testing your water really.

What are your nitrate levels?

 

If anything this is a good sign, but as mentioned above and I can confirm hat TSS does very wacky things to a tank and it is impossible to get an accurate reading during this time. How did you add the TSS and how long ago did you add it?

 

I wouldn't test the aquarium until 2 weeks after you've added the TSS. Unless the fish are doing weird things or showing signs of stress.

How did you add the TSS and how long ago did you add it?

OP says added 48 hours ago.

 

I wouldn't test the aquarium until 2 weeks after you've added the TSS. Unless the fish are doing weird things or showing signs of stress.



OP says added 48 hours ago.

Thanks all. I added fish about 54 hours before testing. Addede TSS about 4-5 hours later, so 48 hours before testing. I'll give it another few days, and go from there.

 

What are your nitrate levels? You'll see your nitrate levels going up if your cycle is progressing normally.

 

What are your nitrate levels? You'll see your nitrate levels going up if your cycle is progressing normally.

I am showing nitrates at .5 pm. How is this possible? It's only been 4 days since I started the cycle. I shouldn't be showing these right? The only thing I can think of is that the amount of plants I got helped seed the tank too.... But this is more indicative of a instant cycle (with media), not what I've read about TSS+. I'm very confused. Might have to dedicate a thread just to this question and see if anyone else has any answers.

 

Is that a typo? Nitrates at 0.5?? Are you using the Master Test Kit or strips? Are you sure it isn't 5.0?

If it is the Master Test Kit - nitrAte goes 0, 5.0, 10, 20, etc.

 

I think this is why it's suggested not to test during these 2 weeks because you start questioning your cycle. You're only on day 4. Relax!

 

Is that a typo? Nitrates at 0.5?? Are you using the Master Test Kit or strips? Are you sure it isn't 5.0?

If it is the Master Test Kit - nitrAte goes 0, 5.0, 10, 20, etc.

Typo. 5.0 on Master Test kit

I think this is why it's suggested not to test during these 2 weeks because you start questioning your cycle. You're only on day 4. Relax!

I'm quite relaxed. I've done a lot of cycles (albeit, with media) and have had entire rooms of shrimp tanks... but I've never seen a tank read nitrates this early...it's confusing to me, as nitrates should not show up at this point. It just really confuses me...So far, TSS+ has really baffled me in general. Nothing negative, but it just seems odd in process.

 

Hi, brodylane1122! I have used TSS several times and (even though I know you don't need to test with it), I couldn't resist once and tested after a mere 4 days. It also showed 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 nitrates. I remember because it was so shocking. Lol This is all just to say, I don't know how it works, but I believe it does, and sometimes does very quickly! But that's just my experience.

 

No two tanks are alike. You can have multiple tanks under one roof and the pH, KH, GH, etc can all be different. With that said, perhaps TSS+ is working a lot quicker because you have just the right amount of bioload, and the pH, temp, etc is all ideal for bacteria growth.

 

Hi, brodylane1122! I have used TSS several times and (even though I know you don't need to test with it), I couldn't resist once and tested after a mere 4 days. It also showed 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 nitrates. I remember because it was so shocking. Lol This is all just to say, I don't know how it works, but I believe it does, and sometimes does very quickly! But that's just my experience.

That's good to hear. I'll keep an eye on it. I only tested nitrates today. Don't plan on testing again for another couple of days, probably the weekend.

No two tanks are alike. You can have multiple tanks under one roof and the pH, KH, GH, etc can all be different. With that said, perhaps TSS+ is working a lot quicker because you have just the right amount of bioload, and the pH, temp, etc is all ideal for bacteria growth.

I get it. I had several "nearly identical" shrimp tanks that had different parameters. Same source water. Just never had something cycle like this (if not an instant cycle with media).

 

I do know that during my cycle with TSS there were some days that it would read close to 0 ammonia, making me think I might be close to the end of my cycling already, but then a few days later some more ammonia would show up before going back down again. So I think it's part of the process and why some people say not to test. But I think this is definitely a good thing and is showing that your tank is doing the right thing! You might have speedier results as well considering what you said about your possibly seeded plants.

 

I used just regular TSS, and I haven't lost a fish since in my tank.