How do I know how much?!!

[WaMiss]

I want to start cycling our 135 gallon tank. I have everything in place (filter, heaters, bubbler...etc). I have my janitorial strength Ammonia. But, I don't know how much Ammonia to add to my tank to get it to 4-5ppm. I think I have read too much and confused myself!! :11: A tablespoon? 5 tablespoons? A few drops? I even read a shot glass full somewhere!

[MuckyFish]

I had the same question just a few days ago.

Need to estimate roughly how much water and know how much solution you have added. For reference assuming I have around 50 g water I put in around 17ml or 3 teaspoons or there abouts of 10% ammonia hydroxide (ammonia in solution Ace hardware janitorial strength).

That might give you some indicator of how much to start with based on the concentration of your solution.

Then I bought the Api liquid test kit and found I had somewhere in the 4-8ppm a little too much. My mistake was not buying a good test kit soon enough ie before I started adding the ammonia solution. There is no way getting around it, you have to be able to test, as I have found.

[WaMiss]

Thanks for the reply Mucky! I do have an API Master Test Kit. I have another tank up and running, but I did a fish in cycle on that one. I bought janitorial strength 10% Ammonia. How soon after adding the Ammonia did you test your water?

[Lady Hobbs]

Add a bit and test in half an hour. If you need more, add a tad more. You're not baking a cake and ammonia does not need to be a perfect number.

[chrisfraser05]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Under dose then test, add more then test.

Just remember to write it down so you know how much you added to get to what figure.

[WaMiss]

Add a bit and test in half an hour. If you need more, add a tad more. You're not baking a cake and ammonia does not need to be a perfect number.
Hehe....you so don't ever want to taste a cake that I have baked!!

[Lady Hobbs]

The tank will cycle whether there is 3 or 5 ppms of ammonia in there. We can't measure when we cycle with flake food or with rotten fish or shrimp. We just try to hit close to the mark and go with it. Too much ammonia is the problem.

[WaMiss]

I added it and am at 4ppm. Thanks for the replies!