Fishless Cycling - A Question.

[leysland]

I have read the postings on fishless cycling, I have a new tank ready but where can you buy ammonia?. All cleaners in supermarkets and B&Q now don't seem to be ammonia based or don't mention ammonia in ingredients.(U.K.) I have bought a product called stress Zyme by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Will this do instead.

 

[Vegan Peaches]

Sources for Ammonia

 

[leysland]

Sources for Ammonia

Thanks for that at least I know what I'm looking for,

 

[dgwebster]

a simple place most people and that post misses in the UK - a pharmacy - most will stock an ammonia solution household cleaner, but i did have to try 2 before getting some.

 

[RoyalGrammaPrincessHannah]

STOP. As far as I know, stress zyme doesnt do ANYTHING. If you are looking for an additive that will supposedly put the bacteria in the tank, your best bet would be Biospira. Sometimes it works, other times it doesnt. It depends on how it has been handled. But if anyone around there carries it, that would be the one to try. Stress zyme and stress coat pretty much just add slime to the tank, also coating the fish's gills which isnt very good. They dont have actual dormant bacteria because if it was dormant,{meaning it creates a little "bubble" around itself, maybe for winter until in the right conditions} it would need to be cold, to make it still think it was needing its bubble because it was winter, or if it really can survive in about 70-72 degrees farenheight in a little bottle, it would need air flow anyway, or at least an expiration date. Go see if you can find one, well nevermind, you wont. So if anything, besides adding a little ammonia each day to the cycling tank, use something that needs to be refrigerated, not something eternally "able" to sit on a shelf.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

I bought some ammonia last week from a local chemist,they didnt have it on the shelves but said they would add it to their delivery that same afternoon,and at 3. 0 clock the wife went in and picked it up.
Just ask the person at the counter thats all.

Also i believe Boots stock it as well.

Dont do what i did and take a big sniff of the stuff when you get it,man that stuff is lethal.

 

[kris-b-]

Homebase in the household section, it's there own brand.

 

[rdd1952]

STOP. As far as I know, stress zyme doesnt do ANYTHING. If you are looking for an additive that will supposedly put the bacteria in the tank, your best bet would be Biospira. Sometimes it works, other times it doesnt. It depends on how it has been handled. But if anyone around there carries it, that would be the one to try. Stress zyme and stress coat pretty much just add slime to the tank, also coating the fish's gills which isnt very good. They dont have actual dormant bacteria because if it was dormant,{meaning it creates a little "bubble" around itself, maybe for winter until in the right conditions} it would need to be cold, to make it still think it was needing its bubble because it was winter, or if it really can survive in about 70-72 degrees farenheight in a little bottle, it would need air flow anyway, or at least an expiration date. Go see if you can find one, well nevermind, you wont. So if anything, besides adding a little ammonia each day to the cycling tank, use something that needs to be refrigerated, not something eternally "able" to sit on a shelf.

I bought Stress Zyme by mistake once (thought I picked up Stress Coat). Officially, their website says it "Improves the development of the biological filter and helps clean a dirty aquarium. Contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful. Breaks down organic compounds that cause dangerous conditions such as ammonia and nitrite poisoning and low oxygen levels. Continuous use assures an active biological filter, cleaner aquarium, healthier fish and good water quality. No refrigeration necessary. Use when setting up and maintaining an aquarium. For use in fresh and saltwater." Personally, I tried it during cycling and couldn't tell that it made any difference. I am not a believer in "bacteria in a bottle" other than possibly Bio Spira which I haven't tried but understand it works if it has been properly handled.

 

[dgwebster]

Homebase in the household section, it's there own brand.

Alot of people support the homebase supplier but i root the local chemist probably nearer and easier for mostt people to get to nd you are pretty much guaanteed all but the smallest of places have one.