Ammonia too high?

[paulg]

I just started my aquarium. Is it normal for ammonia levels to be really high?

[Orient Master]

Just started? How long ago did you start this tank?


And to answer your question. Yes it is normal for a "cycle" of nitrites, then nitrates, and then ammonia. Normal as normal can be.

Other people here on the TRT probably will elaborate better than i could. but yes it is normal. Some people have cycled their tank in a few weeks and some have cycled their tanks for a few months. also some have cycled with fish like damsels or nothing at all.

[paulg]

Ok thanks Its only been running for 5 days.

[Loverotties]

Yep ,it will be cycled once that goes back down to 0.

[ckusnierek]

BTW you may also sea spike then decline in nitrites and nitrates. If you didn't know already it is Very important NOT to put any live stock in the tank untill all these levels are at zero.

[tims]

Originally Posted by ckusnierek

BTW you may also sea spike then decline in nitrites and nitrates. If you didn't know already it is Very important NOT to put any live stock in the tank untill all these levels are at zero.

yes and no

if you are using Live from a pet store close by you can avoid another cycle as long as it stays wet and you dint have die off. but if you are starting with Dry them a good soaking and placing in the system will be fine. Some live rock that is bought has a ton of life on it ( and lot more in it) the exterior is what usually dies off.

your tank is in the very new part. you will see a lot of things going on in it. you Amm. level will go very high, your nitrites and nitrates will also go high, but as time goes on each level will slowly go down and zero out. you may see a alga bloom and even diatoms ( will look like dust on the substrate) before your tank is finished. Please do not place anything living in the tank until done. if you want to help it along, take a few pieces of uncooked raw shrimp and toss it in. this will cause the bacteria to get a foot hold.

what size tank are you using...

[paulg]

Its a 75 gal tank

[toniell]

Let's get a little more info on your tank, How much live rock dop you have,do you have a sump stuff like that.

[stillman]

Yeah, the raw shrimp thing works good. I ran my tank atleast a month before I added 1 fish to it and also made sure that my levels were zeroed out. Please remember take it super slow and dont rush the tank let the tank come alive slowly and you will be the happiest enthusiast around. I cant stress that enough. Before I forget .....get different types of live rock and watch all the little creatures come out and start to populate....
Welcome!

[paulg]

Originally Posted by stillman

Yeah, the raw shrimp thing works good. I ran my tank atleast a month before I added 1 fish to it and also made sure that my levels were zeroed out. Please remember take it super slow and dont rush the tank let the tank come alive slowly and you will be the happiest enthusiast around. I cant stress that enough. Before I forget .....get different types of live rock and watch all the little creatures come out and start to populate....
Welcome!

First off....is that a 30ft Eliminator in your avatar? If not what is it?What power? Ive got a few boats myself. What rock should I get? I have about 60lbs of fiji cured rock now.

[paulg]

Originally Posted by toniell

Let's get a little more info on your tank, How much live rock dop you have,do you have a sump stuff like that.

No sump just a skimmer.

[stillman]

No. thats a 27 foot eliminator with a 496 whippel super charger connected to a xr drive that has been super beefed with different enternal componets. Thats my other hobbie.........

[paulg]

Hehehe.........love boats ....are you on OSO?

[stillman]

no im not but check this out.......http://www.myspace.com/27fatcat

[paulg]

What is your speed WOT and what pitch prop are you running?