ammonia source

I am nearing the end of my cycle in my 29g but my ammonia had stopped dropping at 0.25. Nitrites dropped to zero and nitrates are well on their way down currently at 5. Temp is 78 and ph is 8.2.

I have 3-4 small snails from my clean up crew that did not survive. They have been in there for 2 weeks and the hermit crabs haven't eaten their bodies yet. Would this be the small source of ammonia I am experiencing? Would removing them solve the issue? Should I leave them to extend the cycle? And finally is it safe to add a fish at this level of ammonia?

I am using a Red Sea kit that expires in August, so I think it is still good.

 

i wouldnt add any fish until your ammonia reaches 0..
i dont think a few snails can cause the ammonia your seeing, maybe its just part of the cycle. i would wait a little longer for fish.
the newer the test kit the better.

 

Ok, I will give it another week. At this point, I am in no hurry.

 

you used a raw shrimp? it could be just a lasting residual effect that should burn of soon. im glad you used that special word, patience.

 

Ammonia is more toxic at lower levels as the pH rises. It would seem like there would be some sort of chart on the internet, but if not I might be able to find something here.

pH of 8.2 is good in my opinion. That will give you a bit of ammonia tolerance. When the pH is 8.4, there is so little room for error.

 

the snail bodes could add some ammionia to the system, just like the shrimp did. Now you can leave them in there to continue to feed the bacteria, but I would for sure wait before adding any fish

 

I pulled the what I could of the snails that were dead. I will test until either my kit expires or my ammonia hits absolute 0 before adding a fish. Thanks for the advice!

 

you might get your water tested at your LFS just to double check your results.

 

Thats a good idea, that for some reason slipped my mind. I need to go pick up a new bulb on Sunday, I think I will take a sample. Thanks! :thumb_up: