Hi I have started to cycle my tank using ammonia as recommended by a few of you on here, but there has been no drop in ammonia levels since I added my first dose. The ammonia content is still 3ppm 36hours after this first dose. Is this normal ? If not what can I do about it ?
Thanks Craig

Quite normal, don't worry All of my cycles (checking note pad) show ammonia only started to fall after 3 days or so.

Wise to check now though, you are using a tap water treatment that deals with both chlorine and chloramine, yes?

Crank up the heat too (28-30 degrees), this assists with getting it going Just remember to turn down towards the end - 4 weeks or so in.

Thanks for the reply violet
The tap safe I am using removes both
My temp is set at 24.5'c at the min so I have just turned it up !
It's reassuring to hear that your cycles have taken 3 days to lower the ammonia level ..... I was beginning to question what I was doing !
Thanks again for your help

The nitrogen cycle is a 'fixed' bacterial process and cannot be rushed - mother nature afterall - (unless you add some pre-seeded filter bacteria from another tank that may shave a week off if you are lucky!) generally 4 weeks if all goes well. Bacteria needs time to grow in the filter media to deal with fish poop and ammonia they produce.

I appreciate this is the soul destroying bit but your fish will do far better (i.e. live!) if you can contain yourself for a few weeks longer.

As for potential stocking post then, tank size? Tap water pH and GH? Tap water needs to rest for 24 hours before you test for pH to let additives gas off so you get a true local reading.

Not all fish, suit the same 'kind' of water.