From Algone.com
Using Pure Ammonia to Cycle the Aquarium
Instead of using fish food for ammonia production, you can introduce pure ammonia to the tank.
After the tank has been set up, add five drops of ammonia per ten gallons into the water on a daily basis.
Ammonia will rise to five ppm and higher. As soon as nitrites are measurable, reduce the ammonia input to three drops per day. Nitrites will rise to similar levels. Keep adding two to three drops until the measurements of ammonia and nitrites come out with zero ppm. The tank has then completely cycled.
Seeding the tank can significantly enhance this process. It is possible for a cycle to complete in seven days with seeding; otherwise this method takes two to three weeks.
The bacteria colonies produced using this method are large enough to handle a well-stocked aquarium.
Some aspects to consider
The tank has to be well oxygenated because the bacteria require oxygen.
The ammonia used should be free of any perfumes and additives.
Do not treat the water with conditioners that remove ammonia.
Water changes are only necessary if the ammonia and nitrite levels are far off level, which should only occur if more than five drops are used per ten gallons of water. After the cycle has been completed, use activated carbon to remove any possible perfumes or additives that might have been in the ammonia.
After stocking your tank with fish, general maintenance of the aquarium is all that is required. The bacteria will adjust to the fish load, and if you plan to add new fish, the bacteria will have to adjust again.
Remember to feed your tank with ammonia until you introduce fish. The waste generated by your fish will then provide the tank with all that is needed to balance the environment.
With the ammonia drop method, all aquarium types can be cycled in a very short period of time.
Professionals use this method to keep live sand and rock alive to sell in their stores.
We recommend you read about the nitrogen cycle so you have an understanding about what happens during this cycling period. You will also need ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kits to perform your daily testing of the water.
