Hi there! I'm concerned that I'm not providing enough ammonia for a strong bacteria population and cycle. We set up a new 125 gallon aquarium with new rock as well as used rock from a fellow reefer. We figured there was enough organic matter on the used rock and since we were fishless, decided not to cure the rock before 'scaping and using the decaying matter as our ammonia source. We filled the aquarium on May 31st, got the filter media in the sump for the bacteria to populate, and started dosing Stability on June 4th. I followed the directions on the bottle and dosed for 7 days. I've had some hiccups in testing the water (used a Hanna ammonia checker that's for freshwater, not saltwater ;Bored and then I contaminated my NYOS nitrate test kit), but before I screwed up my NYOS kit I was getting readings of 1ppm and then 3ppm. I ordered a Seachem ammonia badge and it's been on the tank for 2 days and reading <.02ppm.
Should I get a clownfish or two and put them in for an ammonia source? Dose pure ammonia? My replacement NYOS test will be here Friday and I will check my nitrates asap as I don't trust it currently. Any advice is appreciated!
Edited to add that my pH for the last week is averaging 8.6.
Should I get a clownfish or two and put them in for an ammonia source? Dose pure ammonia? My replacement NYOS test will be here Friday and I will check my nitrates asap as I don't trust it currently. Any advice is appreciated!
Edited to add that my pH for the last week is averaging 8.6.
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