Tank cycling

[LizzyP]

So I'm my first step of cycling my 5.5 gallon using the fishless cycle and using old betta food for ammonia. I added a TON of fish food (possibly too much?) about 10-20 minutes ago. How long should I wait to test it?

Also, should I do a PWC if I get the ammonia over 5.0ppm? I'm going to assume that's the case but I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks, guys!
LizzyP

[ChoclateBetta]

Some water changes might help object from an established tank are good.

[Olympia]

Yep, don't want it getting too high.
I'd probably test tomorrow morning, Lizzy.

[LizzyP]

Okay, awesome! I forgot to crunch up the pellets -.- But they're floating ones so I scooped them out with my net and squished them...Wanna talk about ewwie feeling. D: Smooshy soggy betta pellets.

[Hallyx]

It'll probably take a couple of days before the pellets rot enough to create measurable ammonia. I didn't notice any for three days. By then the fishfood was getting messy and smelly.

5.0ppm is not too high. If it approaches 8.0ppm, do a 50% change.

Glad you picked up on using crushed pellets to help ward off mold.

Was it absolutely impossible to find pure ammonia?