Ammonia

[R3GG]

I went into Boots yesterday to see if they had any 'household ammonia' that i could use to start my tank cycling. I was looking around for about 30seconds when one of the shop staff came up to me and asked if i was alright, i asked if they had any household ammonia as i'd heard that they sell it. I had to repeat myself many times before she apparently understood what i was asking for - "H o u s e h o l d A m m o n i a", she was repeating what i was saying, mumbling it in various different ways, but obviously wasnt quite sure what i was on about, nevertheless off she went looking for it, she called me over to a shelf she was looking at and asks if thats what im looking for, she's pointing at a bottle of immodium - diarrhea relief!!!!! By this time im certain they dont have it and after chanting it at all the other staff there they tell me that they're not sure if they have it or not, then one lady asks what its for and i told her "its for a fishtank" "oh no, nope, definitely not, nope, dont have any of that" Im sure its been said on the forums quite recently that you can get ammonia from Boots but does anybody have any idea where else i can get my hands on it?
Cheers!

 

[MAM]

i'm sorry, but its too funny that they brought you immodium........... ammonia, how hard is that word to understand

look in the household cleaners sections maybe, but check labels to be sure its the right ammonia and not one with additives

 

[R3GG]

I know, i really didnt think it was hard to understand either Its not like i have a speech impediment!!
Thanks for the help

 

[Sorrell]

I actually clean with ammonia and I get it at Wal-Mart in the cleaning section.

 

[R3GG]

We dont have a Wal-mart here in the UK, there must be something similar tho

 

[clutterydrawer]

how old are you? cos if you're under 18...may I recommend your school science lab?

seriously though, that's the only place i've ever found any here.

 

[luxum]

Next time, when they ask you what it's for, don't reply "a fishtank" but instead say "it's a cleaning product," might get better results!

 

[R3GG]

I'm 18 - at Uni doing Biology, dont think they'd let me have any tho! I would have said its a cleaning product but wasnt sure what people used it for when i went in there I'll try some other pharmacies and have a look around on the net.

 

[rvm]

I watched "how clean is your home" last night, and they used a bottle of household ammonia to clean a oven grill pan. They said it's "readily available"!!!!!! I've never seen it though!!! Only other place I can think of is one of those small harware shops you find in some towns. I'll have a look in mine at the weekend. If I find any I'll let you know!!!

 

[R3GG]

Cheers bud!

 

[Tropjunky]

well i don't use ammonia but a general rule is if u shake it (i mean really shake it) and it foames up then don't use it. Sometimes they do use harmfull chamicals in ammonia that donesn't foam up.

You might get some from mail orders and ur local DIY, but sucking-up to ur science teacher is ur best bet.

 

[R3GG]

So did any of you do a fishless cycle? And is there an alternative to ammonia? ( i dont wanna have to pee in my tank! ) I'd suck up to my biology lecturer but he looks like Mr Burns.....or Gollum and he gets off on bacteria dont really fancy it tbh

 

[RYO]

most household ammonia contains addatives so i wouldnt use it pearsonaly.
an easier method to start a cycle is go to your lfs or a m8s who keeps fish and get some smeggy water from there filters.most are glad to help but might think your a bit strange

 

[clutterydrawer]

My mother works in a school science laboratory. I will steal ammonia from it and sell it on to you all at £20/ml!

 

[Sky042]

So did any of you do a fishless cycle? And is there an alternative to ammonia? ( i dont wanna have to pee in my tank! ) I'd suck up to my biology lecturer but he looks like Mr Burns.....or Gollum and he gets off on bacteria dont really fancy it tbh

go back to the pharmacy. look where the cleaning products are. they usually put the ammonia on like a bottom shelf tucked away. the just read the label. you do not want to see the words surfactant or prufume/scent. only water, ammonia/ammoniium hydroxide and possibly a chelating agent