Dark Start Water Changes

[LL_Rowan]

I'm one week into a dark start of a new set up. I did a water test last night and the results are: NH3 - 5, NO2 - 2, NO3 -40.
Will higher Ammonia levels speed up the beneficial bacteria? Or is it better for them to develop in a lower NH3 environment?

When should I do my first water change?

Thanks,
L

 

[Little]

I found a lot of conflicting information.
What I can say is on my previous tank, I only did one water change after months of dark start. Fully drained down the tank and planted, then refilled.
I still did a small water change every few days following the dark start as planting disturbed / broke some of the aqua soil pellets.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Will higher Ammonia levels speed up the beneficial bacteria?

No, have a look at <"Correspondence with Dr Ryan Newton - School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee">.

Or is it better for them to develop in a lower NH3 environment?

Definitely <"yes">.

When should I do my first water change?

Ideally now.

I found a lot of conflicting information.

Which is really why, at UKAPS, we've talked to scientists working in this field <"Cycling, CO2 and PH question">.

It was this research on nitrification that led us to contact <"Dr Hovanec">, and the <"Newton"> and <"Neufeld"> labs.

cheers Darrel