Recommendations? Insight?

[Shea]

Alright some of you know my situation from other threads but for those who dont I will give you a quick run down.....

Purchased the tank. Purchased ALL necessary pieces/parts/accessories. Set it up properly. Filled it up with purified water. Learned I could do that ONLY if I restored the electrolytes, vitamins, minerals etc for the fish.

Now..... The tank has been running for about 2-3 weeks now FISHLESS. I have not been trying to do a fishless cycle. I just havent had the time or money to get the fish (I planned on doing the cycle with fish).

Some things have came up so I have decided to do a Fishless cycle since...
1) It's easier (or so everyone says).
and
2) It seems to fit my schedule for now (Quicker).

I have read all the sticky's but as far as the Ammonia goes....
-What brand should I get?
-What should I look for when getting Ammonia?


Any and all recommendations or insight is appreciated.

Thank You
-Shea

[Wild Turkey]

You want ammonia without surfactants (soap) if you are unsure you can shake the bottle and see it if it foams, if so its no good. Anything labeled liquor ammonia is probably good but still check it.

Most hardware stores should have it but call first and make them shake the bottles up so you dont have to drive there (hehe) Ace hardware usually has it

[Lady Hobbs]

Try the Dollar Stores. The cheaper the ammonia, the less chance it will have any additives in it. Do not get lemon scented or anything but pure ammonia.

[Wild Turkey]

"Pure" ammonia isnt easily available and is somewhat dangerous. liquor ammonia is water + pure ammonia its usually 10% ammonia

Hobbs is right about the cheaper brands having less additives

[Shea]

So I cant pick this up from a pet supply or aquarium store? Or are you guys just saying to go to these places because you can get the same exact thing but for cheaper?

[fishlover49]

I found mine at Walmart.

[Shea]

I found mine at Walmart.

In the fish section?

[Wild Turkey]

So I cant pick this up from a pet supply or aquarium store? Or are you guys just saying to go to these places because you can get the same exact thing but for cheaper?

Its possible but most fishstores dont carry it. Some small LFS might. But yes it is the same thing thats at the hardware store just marked up (as long as you follow the guidelines we gave you)

[Northernguy]

Not too many fish stores will admit that they know anything about.
lol Most don't know!

[fins_n_fur]

See if there is an Ace Hardware store near you...they are bound to have the ammonia that you are looking for.

[mac]

For me to get Ammonia I have to get it from a Chemist.

ucky you guys in USA.

Now for me I find that fish less cycles are very easy to do. Quick and very rewarding. I hope all goes good for you.

mac

[fishlover49]

Maybe you better scratch the idea of getting it from Walmart. I just read the label, (which I didn't do before I bought it cause I shook it and it doesn't foam, and I didn't have my reading glasses with), and the ingredients are ammonium hydroxide and "surfactant." Why doesn't it foam at all?? I was going to start my cycling today. :sconfused:

[Wild Turkey]

Maybe you better scratch the idea of getting it from Walmart. I just read the label, (which I didn't do before I bought it cause I shook it and it doesn't foam, and I didn't have my reading glasses with), and the ingredients are ammonium hydroxide and "surfactant." Why doesn't it foam at all?? I was going to start my cycling today. :sconfused:

Shake it ALOT

But either way its no good....i bought the wrong kind once too they put the little "contains surfacants" in very small white text.

[fishlover49]

I "really" shook it. One of the stockers in Walmart was looking at me really strange when I was shaking it. Bet she wondered where I escaped from. :hmm3grin2orange:

Yep, this is in pretty small text too and I didn't have a prayer without my glasses. :sconfused:

[Wild Turkey]

I "really" shook it. One of the stockers in Walmart was looking at me really strange when I was shaking it. Bet she wondered where I escaped from. :hmm3grin2orange:

Yep, this is in pretty small text too and I didn't have a prayer without my glasses. :sconfused:

Yea just return it and grab a different kind that doesnt have any. Who cares if they think u are crazy, dont let them put a rush on you.

[Shea]

I have an Ace hardware nearby. I also have a lowes and home depot close to.

I've read the stickies but I cant find any info on this... How much do I put in my tank? I have a 10gal......

[Wild Turkey]

I have an Ace hardware nearby. I also have a lowes and home depot close to.

I've read the stickies but I cant find any info on this... How much do I put in my tank? I have a 10gal......

Basically add a few drops, test and repeat until you get a reading of 5ppm, then start maintaining it.
At 10% ammonia it takes quite a few drops for a 10gal, probably upwards or 20 or 30 but start with 5, then test.

[Shea]

So there is not set amount. Its just am "add and test" method.

Now, you said drops.... I've never bough ammonia before does it come with a tool to allow you to add drops?

[Northernguy]

A syrynge can be bought a most drug stores in the baby supply aisle.
You could also ask a pharmasist for one.Just tell them its to measure meds.
You could also go into any veteranary clinic and get one.

[Wild Turkey]

I use an old plastic container that used to hold food coloring. Works excellent
Alternatively, you could pretty much anything since the drop dont really need to be exactly uniform, an old water bottle (with the right type of top) will work too

But NG has a good point, i think you are going to find you will have use for a syringe more and more as you get deeper into the hobby and grabbing some from a cheap/free source if you are near one is a good idea. Friends that are diabetics may also be a good source, just not used ones. lol

[Shea]

You guys are awesome. Thank!

[bushwhacker]

i just read an artical on "surfactants" its not a soap. its many differant chemicals added to the solution/ammonia/soap to break the surface tension of water to allow the soap to better clean whatever your washing.. so if it doesnt foam theres no soap and is ok to use for cycling

[Shea]

Picked up some ammonia a few mintues ago. Pure ammonia. Shook it and not a bubble to be found. Found it for $1.19

Went to walmart found ammonia, shook it and foam/bubbles everywhere. FYI dont get the pure ammonia from walmart.