Stumbling start, ammonia

[Jim Maceda]

Careless error, I put a 1/4 cup ammonia into sump to start cycle and later realized I used the wrong one. It has a surfactants. My ammonia level is below 1. How bad is this and how do I fix it.

[Alex Veidel]

I would maybe change out your water. Although I don't really know exactly HOW bad this is.

[Jim Maceda]

Thank you Alex. I stopped panicking and tested. The spike wasn't high so I replaced about 50 gal and put in the clear ammonia. As of 4 days from the the start of this, the system is starting to cycle. Less ammonia, and nitrites and nitrates in reasonable readings are growing.

[Alex Veidel]

How many gallons is your system?

Here's a forum thread on surfactants and aquariums. It's not really my subject. Sounds like it depends on what surfactants were used exactly.

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/274723-how-dangerous-are...

[Jim Maceda]

Alex Veidel said:

How many gallons is your system?

Here's a forum thread on surfactants and aquariums. It's not really my subject. Sounds like it depends on what surfactants were used exactly.

Thanks Alex, The thread provided answers to  what and how. My system is a CHOP 2  with 200 Gal Tank and 100 gal sump.  They feed 3 grow beds of 10 cu' each. All pieces are from IBC  units and pvc plumbing.

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/274723-how-dangerous-are...