Ammonia question

[oakcityreefer]

Currently cycling a new 180g tank. This is three weeks into the cycle that started at 2.0 ammonia. I've tested 0.03 ammonia for 2 days in a row got a spike to 0.05 ammonia for one day and now back to 0.03. I was suppose to pick up two clownfish from my LFS earlier this week but have delayed picking them up because I wasn't getting 0.0. They have had the fish in quarantine the last few weeks. They want me to come get the fish because they need the room in quarantine. Is it safe to add the clowns at 0.03 ammonia? I thought i would pick up some more Fritz turbo 900 while Im there and dose another bottle before adding the fish.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What is the nitrate level, does it confirm that ammonia is processing? The ammonia is so low it could be test error

 

[Gumbies R Us]

If you are testing with API test kits, they are known for showing false reads. If you have detectable nitrates then I would say your tank is cycled

 

[oakcityreefer]

My test last night was:
All test are Hanna Checkers unless noted.
35 PPT Salinity (Milwaukee)
0.03 Ammonia
0.0 Nitrite (API Test)
13.2 Nitrate
0.04 Phosphate
9.5 Alkalinity
8.05 PH

Nitrate had been going up. Started at 11.2 then maxed out at 15.8 then started dropping over the last week. Ive been sub 0.06 Ammonia since 1/23/26 so for over a week I haven't seen anything higher than 0.06. I thought it may be within testing error of 0.0 but wanted to be safe and wait for 0.0 on the checker. I did change 20 gallons last night but it didnt seem to effect the levels. Im testing again right now and have enough water to do another 20 gallons before going to the LFS tonight.

 

[oakcityreefer]

This was started with 16oz of Fritzs Turbo 900 and Algae Barn nitro cycle. On 1/12/26.

 

[oakcityreefer]

bump

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There is nothing wrong with 0.03 ppm total ammonia in any reef tank. Many people dose more than that multiple times a day. It is far less toxic than most think.

I see no reason to dose more bacteria, but doing so is not likely to hurt things, at least until you have corals.

This has a lot more on ammonia:

Ammonia is Our Friend!

Ammonia is Our Friend By Randy Holmes-Farley Yes, I know the title is provocative, and likely goes against much of what you read and hear in the reef aquarium hobby. I believe, however, that the hobby may have been harmed by the continual...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[oakcityreefer]

There is nothing wrong with 0.03 ppm total ammonia in any reef tank. Many people dose more than that multiple times a day. It is far less toxic than most think.

I see no reason to dose more bacteria, but doing so is not likely to hurt things, at least until you have corals.

This has a lot more on ammonia:

Ammonia is Our Friend!

Ammonia is Our Friend By Randy Holmes-Farley Yes, I know the title is provocative, and likely goes against much of what you read and hear in the reef aquarium hobby. I believe, however, that the hobby may have been harmed by the continual...

www.reef2reef.com

Thank you Randy!