80 Gallon Deep Blue Build (48x24x16)

[KJoFan]

Adding more ammonia to see how quickly it goes down is a good way to test out the cycle, plus only strengthens the bacteria population. Looking good!

 

[member 99594]

Adding more ammonia to see how quickly it goes down is a good way to test out the cycle, plus only strengthens the bacteria population. Looking good!

Any particular brand better than another. Ie Dr. Tim’s vs any brand the hardware store has?

 

[KJoFan]

Any particular brand better than another. Ie Dr. Tim’s vs any brand the hardware store has?

You wouldn't have to use the expensive Dr. Tim's stuff. You can go somewhere like Ace and buy the pure ammonia there and it works just as well.

 

[member 99594]

You wouldn't have to use the expensive Dr. Tim's stuff. You can go somewhere like Ace and buy the pure ammonia there and it works just as well.

Is this what they refer to as "PURE" ammonia?

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/900ml-ammonia-all-purpose-cleaner/p/4521716

Edit: I just ordered Dr Tims, to be safe.

 

[KJoFan]

Is this what they refer to as "PURE" ammonia?

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/900ml-ammonia-all-purpose-cleaner/p/4521716

Edit: I just ordered Dr Tims, to be safe.

Probably. If you had pursued that route, I would have just checked the label for any other ingredients that might have raised a red flag.

For reference, this is what I've used in the past, so something similar would have worked:
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...-and-disinfectants/all-purpose-cleaners/10183

 

[dantimdad]

It's nuts what they charge for Dr. TIm's.

Parson's non-sudsy ammonia is dirt cheap and works perfectly. Used it since the 90s.

 

[member 99594]

It's nuts what they charge for Dr. TIm's.

Parson's non-sudsy ammonia is dirt cheap and works perfectly. Used it since the 90s.

$3.99 for a tiny little bottle. Robbery. Chances are it won’t even be good for the next time you want to even use it.

 

[Javamahn]

Just make sure the ammonia is oderless and has no surfactants. Shake the heck out of the bottle and watch the bubbles on top. If they go away quickly then there are no surfactants (soap) if the bubbles stay as a foam on top then it is no good for cycling a tank. Ace is about the only place I know that has the recommended ammonia others have used. I ended up buying the Fritz Ammonium Chloride for my fishless cycle. Now I have so much extra I could cycle like 20000 gallons of water. Ridiculous packaging but still more humane.

 

[member 99594]

Just make sure the ammonia is oderless and has no surfactants. Shake the heck out of the bottle and watch the bubbles on top. If they go away quickly then there are no surfactants (soap) if the bubbles stay as a foam on top then it is no good for cycling a tank. Ace is about the only place I know that has the recommended ammonia others have used. I ended up buying the Fritz Ammonium Chloride for my fishless cycle. Now I have so much extra I could cycle like 20000 gallons of water. Ridiculous packaging but still more humane.

I have a bottle of Dr. Tim’s coming tomorrow. I wanted to be sure it was safe.

Update. Used a Salifert ammonia test and I am reading 0.

Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 4

 

[Crabby48]

knowing how much store bought ammonia to add is a mystery to me. So I figured you payed extra for the dosage

 

[member 99594]

knowing how much store bought ammonia to add is a mystery to me. So I figured you payed extra for the dosage

Yes, and the bottle was only 3.99 for Dr Tims and I know its safe.

I have 2ppm of Ammonia now. Question, for whatever reason the ammonia does not drop, could I add a dose of ATM Coloy and proceed with the cycle from there?

 

[member 99594]

Parameters update:

36 hours after Ammonia dose to 2ppm

Ammonia: .50
Nitrite: 1ppm (not sure why this wouldn't be higher) ??
Nitrate: 4ppm​

Almost there and ready for the CUC and first fishes. Thinking Various Snails (30-40) and a Cleaner Shrimp to start, thoughts?

I have heard Hermits are a PITA and they just cause a ruckus.

 

[Crabby48]

I’m following along learning since I’m getting my tank ready to be wet. So no experience from me.
30-40 snails and crabs seem like a lot for the little algae I see in your tank. If they eat it all quick won’t you need to greed them some how?

 

[member 99594]

I’m following along learning since I’m getting my tank ready to be wet. So no experience from me.
30-40 snails and crabs seem like a lot for the little algae I see in your tank. If they eat it all quick won’t you need to greed them some how?

Yeah I have talked to some stores now. I am going to keep away from hermits and I may just start with about 20 snails and a cleaner shrimp.

 

[member 99594]

Started with two clowns and 9 snails.

Should I add more snails? And why kind is algae is that?

 

[member 99594]

And a cleaner shrimp added, the start of zoa island.

 

[member 99594]

Current livestock

Various Zoas
Duncan

Pistol Shrimp
Yellow Watchman Goby
Cleaner Shrimp
Two Clowns
About 15 snails

TBC...... suggestions very welcome. I am new to the hobby and fully open to hearing everyone’s thoughts.

 

[Crabby48]

It is coming together very nice. Love the zoa island. Nice work

 

[member 99594]

Update:

Things have been coming along quite nicely. I have close to zero nitrates and my phosphates are at .08 (still trying to lower)

I have added a few pieces and they all seem to be doing well. I think the next fish into the tank will be an Anthius or two. Or maybe a firefish or six line.

Here is some shots of the added pieces.

 

[leahfiish]

Love that movie, everything looks happy.