So when I bought my 54 gallon tank. I didn't know much. LFS told me to buy this quick start API (good product) and some stress related stuff and all is good start adding fish. So I set up this tank, set the quickstart API and planted the plants - one melted and the others grew well, but after 3 days my tank took on a chalky appearance. So EHEIM filter system disassembled (great product), pre-filter rinsed and everything was clear. Maybe it was a rotting plant? Needless to say I had to remove the tank and reinstall it at home - same chalk after 3 days. So I found out it was a bacterial bloom, but I didn't provide any fish or ammonia (fish droppings). So bacteria thrived and died. ok i got it now Also did a 50% water change and started fresh after getting DR Tim's ammonium chloride. Turn API Quickstart back on and now add 216 drops of ammonium chloride - tested next morning. Ammonia was NOW at 4 ppm. That evening I tested and there was a nitrite attack - a bit. The next morning the ammonia was also checked at around 3 ppm and definitely at 0.50 nitrite. Checked in the evening, now at 3ppm ammonia and 2.0ppm nitrite - nitrate only slightly tested. This thing rocks and rolls for days! Days only !Follow the exact line of the path! I wish I knew then what I know now - don't use raw fish, raw shrimp or a bunch of fish food to make ammonia - grab a good quick start product with bacteria and that ammonia and you're done! This speeds up the process enormously! I will keep updating. UPDATE: next day: ok now ammonia is 2ppm; nitrite at 2.00 ppm; and SMIDGE nitrates. 0ppm to 5.00ppm. Aquarium plants are thriving NOW! UPDATE 4 days later: Ammonia is down 2ppm from 4ppm Nitrite is up 5ppm from 2ppm Nitrate is now 10ppm higher compared to the 5 day trail - Ammonia 1ppm (when it falls to around 0.50 , I need to add some more) c) - nitrites 5ppm - nitrates 20ppm now 6 days ammonia to zero - full dose needs to be added again. Nitrite 2ppm nitrate looks like 2ppm slightly darker but only a little - nitrate going down? Well the water is crystal clear but apparently I need to add more ammonia. so it will be done. The plants are REALLY looking good - I wonder if the plants are taking care of some of the nitrates? Check the ammonia 6 hours after application and the ammonia was back to 4ppm for 7 days. 25ppm! Nitrite at 2ppm Nitrate at 5ppm <- I believe aquatic plants consume nitrate! And keep it under control. 8 days Ammonia 0 ppm (add 1/2 more dose 2 drops per gallon approximately 106 drops) Nitrite 2 ppm Nitrate 2 ppm
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