Ohio Reef

Reef Discussion => Water Chemistry => Topic started by: SweetReefOH on February 12, 2019, 17:32:39

Title: Cycle experience
Post by: SweetReefOH on February 12, 2019, 17:32:39
I started the cycle via deli shrimp 1-25-19 and had ammonia and nitrite reading by the next day. I added BioSpira and DFS live bacteria. I took the shrimp out when ammonia got to .5. The nitrite climbed to almost 2.0 and has been stuck at .5 - 1 for almost 3 weeks. Can anyone shed any light on why it’s not going down? I’ve never had nitrite do this when cycling.
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: dbjonesjr on February 12, 2019, 21:09:51
I had this happen in a biocube. I did a large water change then put another 2 ppm ammonia in. Following this the levels were fine within a few days. Not sure what happened. Have you checked alk? Sounds weird but I understand that the bacteria sources use it as a carbon source.
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: SweetReefOH on February 13, 2019, 08:23:18
I’ve not checked alk. I wouldn’t think it would be askew. But, I will check it tonight just out of curiosity.
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: SweetReefOH on February 13, 2019, 18:32:15
Nope. Alk right where I expected it to be. 8.56. It did look a lot more like .5 today instead of up at 1.0
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: dbjonesjr on February 13, 2019, 18:33:10
Nope. Alk right where I expected it to be. 8.56. It did look a lot more like .5 today instead of up at 1.0
Good. Hope it works itself out quickly!


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Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: SweetReefOH on February 15, 2019, 17:31:58
Dbjones, what kind of ammonia do you use and where do you get it?
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: dbjonesjr on February 15, 2019, 17:35:34
I used Dr. Tim’s for my Biocube and 90. Prior to that I used cleaning ammonia in my 40 and FW setups. You could probably get away with unscented ammonia meant for cleaning if you want something quick. I’d be more careful with that in a reef tank though.


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Title: Cycle experience
Post by: SweetReefOH on February 15, 2019, 20:06:07
Dr Tim’s ammonia?? Never mind, I just found Dr Tim’s ammonium chloride on Marine Depot. Wish I would have known this a month ago lol. Thanks dB!
Title: Re: Cycle experience
Post by: dbjonesjr on February 15, 2019, 20:08:45
Dr Tim’s ammonia?? Never mind, I just found Dr Tim’s ammonium chloride on Marine Depot. Wish I would have known this a month ago lol. Thanks dB!
https://www.chewy.com/dr-tims-aquatics-ammonium-chloride/dp/132038


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