ammonia in an empty aquarium.

"Dale Henderson" wrote in message
...

I set up my 20gal (24"12"x16") aquarium and have been running it for a
week with no fish. Shortly after I set it up I tested the water and
found the ammoina level to be in the low detectable range .5-1ppm. And
it has stayed there for the past week. So my question is where did the
ammonia come from and what should I do to lower the ammonia? I
thought by now I'd have generated a bacteria culture and start seeing
the ammonia level go down.


What have you put in the tank to start off the cycle?
Bacteria need feeding ansd it typically takes 2-3 weeks to get the ammonia
bacteria functioning - if you feed them.

"Sue" writes:

"Dale Henderson" wrote in message
...


What have you put in the tank to start off the cycle?
Bacteria need feeding ansd it typically takes 2-3 weeks to get the ammonia
bacteria functioning - if you feed them.

I thought all that I needed to feed the bacteria was ammonia; What do
I need to feed them?

Right now there is nothing in the tank except gravel, some plastic
plants and rock. (nothing living)