HELP!

[Username177013]

I just set up a saltwater tank(20 gallons) yesterday. I waited until today to dose some bottled ammonia and bacteria to start the cycle. I waited about 2 hours and tested the ammonia today, to my surprise my ammonia is off the charts 6.1+ppm. Is this normal?
I have dry rock and live sand inside the tank.

 

[Jekyl]

I would double check the directions. You're still fine though. I'm guessing you dosed ammonia wrong.

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Welcome to R2R!! It takes multiple days and or a few weeks for the bottled bacteria to have established itself enough to handle ammonia processing. Just give it time friend!

Edit: also, what test kit did you use? There are a few out there that are a bit wonky and can show a false positive

 

[Jekyl]

I wouldn't dose any more ammonia until it comes down. Once you can go from 2ppm to 0 in 24 hours the cycle is complete. Do a large 100% water change and get your first fish.

 

[Username177013]

I would double check the directions. You're still fine though. I'm guessing you dosed ammonia wrong.

Should I add a bit more of the Microbacter start XLM?

 

[Jekyl]

Should I add a bit more of the Microbacter start XLM?

Follow the directions on the bottle. Some say dump it in, some say to dose only so much

 

[Jekyl]

Don't get worried now. It's hard to mess up a cycle. Just be patient. There will be plenty of things to worry about later on.

 

[Username177013]

Welcome to R2R!! It takes multiple days and or a few weeks for the bottled bacteria to have established itself enough to handle ammonia processing. Just give it time friend!

Edit: also, what test kit did you use? There are a few out there that are a bit wonky and can show a false positive

I used the fluval ammonia test kit

 

[Jekyl]

Let it do its thing. What plans for the tank?

 

[BeltedCoyote]

I used the fluval ammonia test kit

ah then you’re fine. Just give your tank time. It’ll get there. Patience is king in this hobby. And typically the only things that happen fast are bad

 

[Billldg]

Which type of ammonia did you use? I use Dr. Tims to cycle my QT tanks, and I only use a cap full on a 20 gal tank.

 

[Username177013]

Let it do its thing. What plans for the tank?

I plan to have 2 clownfish, one skunk cleaner shrimp, some snails, and some LPS corals. Thats about it.

 

[Jekyl]

That's a good plan. Once cycle is complete give it a month before trying some easier corals. Mushrooms, leathers, gsp, xenia, zoas. Make sure those do good for another month or 2 before trying LPS

 

[Username177013]

Which type of ammonia did you use? I use Dr. Tims to cycle my QT tanks, and I only use a cap full on a 20 gal tank.

I used the Brightwell MircroBacter QuikCycl. The instructions are to add 4 drops per gallon or 1ml per 5 gallons.

 

[Billldg]

I used the Brightwell MircroBacter QuikCycl. The instructions are to add 4 drops per gallon or 1ml per 5 gallons.

K, if you followed the instructions, which I believe you did, then the test kit may be wrong. I use the Red Sea ammonia test kit.

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[AviR]

Welcome, I would not freak out, it’s the beginning of the cycle and not much can go wrong, let your tank do it’s things

 

[Username177013]

Welcome, I would not freak out, it’s the beginning of the cycle and not much can go wrong, let your tank do

So do I just wait until my ammonia drops or do I keep pouring some Nitrifying Bioculture everyday.

 

[DiefsReef]

Welcome to R2R
My kit showed very high as well when i started and I had the same issues but after a few days the micro bacteria started growing and ammonia dropped in no time. Your fine, just needs time as others have stated.

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Hello and welcome to the channel.