First Water Test Results ...

[Bob Vento]

Decided to use my new API Freshwater Master Kit today on my no plant, no fish and no grow media 250 gallon system, to see exactly what the water quality is after a weekend of rain.
(And to try out the new test kit of course) 

Here are the results;

Ammonia ..............     0.23 ppm

Nitrate ..................      0 ppm

Nitrite ...................      0.25 ppm

High PH ...............      8.2 ppm

PH .......................      7.6 ppm

Can any one tell me how my current levels look as a base line to start with?

Regards,
Bob

[TCLynx]

Looks reasonable to start.

In I applaud you for doing pre-start up water tests.  It is good to have an idea of the baseline before you start.

Is your tap water treated with chloramine?  I know that can often start one off with elevated ammonia levels once the chlorine/ammonnia bond is broken and the chlorine neutralized/offgassed or removed.

[Bob Vento]

TC,

Yes ... according to the water report of 2010 ... 2.3ppm of the additive chloramine is used to control microbes.

I finally decide to use lava rock for the bottom level of my grow bed and either Stalite or Hydroton for the final 3 - 4" of bed. Many others have praised the use of pea gravel as a top layer ... oh well I guess I will start with my lava rock base to begin cycling my system.

On a different subject ... I guess by now you have gathered that I like to find economical ways (do I seem cheap?) to build my system. So here is the latest discovery.  Did you know that toilet bowl cleaners/ air freshener from the dollar tree ...

when separated and cleaned well, can be used as an
overflow drain guard, and fits perfectly on a 1" pvc pipe?

Go figure huh?  

Regards,
Bob

TCLynx said:

Looks reasonable to start.

In I applaud you for doing pre-start up water tests.  It is good to have an idea of the baseline before you start.

Is your tap water treated with chloramine?  I know that can often start one off with elevated ammonia levels once the chlorine/ammonnia bond is broken and the chlorine neutralized/offgassed or removed.

[TCLynx]

Are you using any water conditioner or chloramine remover?  You might want to research that before you get any fish or start cycle up.

[Bob Vento]

I ran a second water test today, since adding the cleaned lava rock and

Here are the results;

Ammonia ..............     0    ppm

Nitrate ..................      0    ppm

Nitrite ...................      0    ppm

High PH ...............      8.2 ppm

PH .......................      7.6 ppm

As you can see my Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites all dropped to 0 ... is that supposed to happen? Should I be adding ammonia to my system now? In what quantity for a 200 gallon fish tank?

I have added nothing to the system except the lava rocks so far. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[Bryan Acred]

Hi Bob,

Just my two cents, but if you are going to do a fishless cycle, I have been dosing my 300 gallon tank with 3 oz of Ammonia each day. That usually gives me about 2ppm in a few hours. Given that my tank isn't completely full, I am guessing I am dosing for about 250 gallons or so. You might start out with 2 oz and test it after a few hours.

I am sure others with more experience can provide better answers.

Blessings,

Bryan