Ammonia

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by KDtrey5, Jul 2, 2012.

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  1. KDtrey5

    KDtrey5 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Location:
    Green Bay, WI
    I have been cycling my fish tank for a little over 2 weeks now. I saw my ammonia spike, then as my ammonia went down I saw my nitrite and nitrate spike. Currently my ammonia is at .50 and getting lower each day. My nitrate is at about 5 and my nitrate is at about 120. When my ammonia hits 0, what should I do!?! Do i put more ammonia in? Wouldnt that raise my nitrite as well? Please help.
     
    KDtrey5, Jul 2, 2012
    KDtrey5, Jul 2, 2012
    #1

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  2. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    No. Once your ammonia is gone, it means you have a colony of bacteria that can convert ammonia to nitrate, which is your goal. Once nitrites hit 0 as well, your cycle has ended. Once that happens, do a water change to remove the nitrates and keep doing them weekly until they approach 0. At that time, you can begin to slowly stock your tank.

    You're on the right path. Give it time.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 2, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 2, 2012
    #2
  3. KDtrey5

    KDtrey5 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Location:
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    how much longer do you think it will take to get the nitrite to 0?
     
    KDtrey5, Jul 2, 2012
    KDtrey5, Jul 2, 2012
    #3
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    No telling. Ammonia needs to hit 0 before that happens.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 2, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 2, 2012
    #4