Cycling the Q. tank

[dawn ii]

I thought my qt was cycled, had sponges in reef sump to seed, but 3 days after putting the hippo in, it read ammonia -.25. Even with 50-60 %water changes, it didn't budge. I want to get a yelloy tang in 2 weeks. I have heard about putting fresh shrimp in to rot. What is your advice? How long will it take, and how much of whatever you suggest do I use. The tank is 20 gal, with an Aquaclear50 trickle filter that has (2) sponges. I also have a Maxijet 600 I can put on if you feel it is necessary. Thank you in advance, Dawn.

 

[beth]

Sponges? What do you mean by that? You don't mean dead sponge, do you ?

 

[92protruck]

check your new saltwater mix to make sure it doesn't read .25 amm before you put it in.