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Old 02-10-2006, 06:58 PM
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You can buy ammonia solution (note it is not 100% ammonia) at most cleaning supply departments. Make sure you look for one that is additive free (ie unscented and detergent free); no-name brand type products typically fit this bill.

One advantage to using ammonia solution is the higher concentrations of ammonia that can be achieved. The amount of nitrifying bacteria that are present in one's tank will be proportional to the supply of ammonia. More ammonia will create a more robust bacteria colony more quickly. Using a single shrimp in a tank will prompt a cycle but that does not mean you can immediately add a full bioload to the tank once that cycle in completed. The bacteria colony may not be up to the task and another cycle will be triggered.

The disadvantage to the process is the higher concentrations of nitrate that you end up with. This is not an issue with freshwater because once the cycle is completed you simply do a 99% water change and then add your full bioload. Reef systems can eliminate nitrate but maybe not completely at the levels generated with 'fishless' cycling so you may have to do a much larger water change before adding livestock and salt mix not free.
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