Cycling Ammonia?

[agave60]

Hello,
I've had a really hard time getting ammonia as described in previous posts, but I might have found it after all. Label says, Ammonia (non-streaking), Active Ingredients: Ammonium Hydroxide (CAS 1336-21-6) Contains no Phosphorus. It does not suds up when I shake it and only smells like ammonia (no perfume smells, but very strong ammonia smell). Does this sound like something I can use to start my cycle?

Thanks,
Carlos

[lldewe]

This seems strange as I work in a lab and we use Ammonium Hydroxide to raise the pH of some of our buffers. Why would this be used in an aquarium?

Lorie

[agave60]

Lorie,
I'm using it to cycle my tank.

Carlos

[lldewe]

Yes, I understand that but don't discus need a lower pH not a higher one?

Lorie

[agave60]

The use of ammonia during a fishless cycle has no relation to the pH. Ammonia is used in place of adding live fish or other decaying matter (i.e fish food) to supply the ammonia needed to start the cycle, and establish the beneficial bacteria needed.

[lldewe]

Oh, fishless...oops. I didn't understand that...Thanks!!

Lorie

[funkyfish]

sounds lik the stuff i use
good luck

[Carol_Roberts]

Yes, that should work :)

[agave60]

Thanks, the cycle started today.