Fishless cycle using dr Tim’s

[mike12345]

I’m about to start my cycle using dr. Tim’s on the instructions provided it says :

-Test ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Record the values in the chart below
-Are your ammonia AND nitrite values less than
5ppm NH3-N/NO2-N?
YES - You can add more ammonia. Using DrTim's ammonium

I’m using a salifert ammonia test kit and it only reads up to 2ppm ,how do I know it’s at 5ppm ?

 

[TX_REEF]

Why is this an emergency? Please save that tagging for dying fish, tank failures, etc.

If the test kit you have doesn't read up to 5ppm, the answer is you need a new test kit :)

However, if it consistently tests at 2ppm, your cycling will likely proceed anyway, and you'll just continue testing until you have nitrates and ammonia is zero. Then your first cycle is complete and you are ready to add your first fish/livestock.

 

[Lavey29]

I agree with the above. Doesn't matter if ammonia is 2 -5 as long as it processes and you get nitrates production. Don't worry about nitrites they are irrelevant in reefing. Your goal is to add ammonia and 24 hours later it is 0 and you have measurable nitrates.

 

[Emrava]

Welcome to the reefing world! I'm sure you will find sooner or later that in this hobby you will need a lot of patience and lots of trail and error.
Enjoy the process and you won't give up that easily.

I also agree with the comments above, you can use the test that you have until you get a 0 read.