Ammonia at 1.2 ppm

[gustavviklund]

It's been about 2 months since I started the cycling (I used Red Sea Reef Mature kit in a Max Nano Peninsula) and until a few days ago ammonia has always been at around 0.1 ppm. About a month ago I talked to my LFS about the ammonia levels (0.1 at the time) and we decided I could try adding two hermit crabs. They both were doing well so after two more weeks I introduced a yellow watchman goby and a pistol shrimp. They're also doing great. They're digging burrows and eating all the food I put in the tank. I've been feeding extremely carefully so when I checked ammonia levels and it showed 1.2 I was very confused because all animals are ok. What could be the cause of this and what should I do now? I did a 30% water change immediately after I tested the water. I've also been dosing nitrifying bacteria every week since the Reef Mature program ended.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

It's been about 2 months since I started the cycling (I used Red Sea Reef Mature kit in a Max Nano Peninsula) and until a few days ago ammonia has always been at around 0.1 ppm. About a month ago I talked to my LFS about the ammonia levels (0.1 at the time) and we decided I could try adding two hermit crabs. They both were doing well so after two more weeks I introduced a yellow watchman goby and a pistol shrimp. They're also doing great. They're digging burrows and eating all the food I put in the tank. I've been feeding extremely carefully so when I checked ammonia levels and it showed 1.2 I was very confused because all animals are ok. What could be the cause of this and what should I do now? I did a 30% water change immediately after I tested the water. I've also been dosing nitrifying bacteria every week since the Reef Mature program ended.

I suspect test error.

 

[gustavviklund]

I suspect test error.

I tested with another kit and it was the same or possibly a little lower

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Do you have a full tank picture?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

*Did you happen to feed right before testing?

 

[Pickle_soup]

A picture would be very helpful so we could if you have enough surface for nitrifying bacteria.

 

[gustavviklund]

Do you have a full tank picture?

Took these now (GSP is closed because it's night here so I just turned the lights on for the photos)

 

[gustavviklund]

*Did you happen to feed right before testing?

Oh that's actually possible. Didn't know that could affect the result

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Ok. Thanks. As @Pickle_soup mentioned, I wanted to make sure you had surface area for the biofilter.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Oh that's actually possible. Didn't know that could affect the result

It absolutely can! For any test, besides salinity, I recommend doing it as long after you've disturbed, or added anything to, the tank as possible.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Once you're able to test again, please post the results

 

[Pickle_soup]

Nice little setup. Definitely enough surface area for the bacteria. The only thing I can think of is that you were not providing ammonia for the nitrifying bacteria to survive and multiply. When did you add the goby and shrimp?

 

[gustavviklund]

Nice little setup. Definitely enough surface area for the bacteria. The only thing I can think of is that you were not providing ammonia for the nitrifying bacteria to survive and multiply. When did you add the goby and shrimp?

October 19th, so 10 days now

 

[Pickle_soup]

October 19th, so 10 days now

And you tested for ammonia during those ten days? When cycling a tank, I love using Seachem Ammonia Alert. It's really useful.

 

[gustavviklund]

And you tested for ammonia during those ten days? When cycling a tank, I love using Seachem Ammonia Alert. It's really useful.

Yes, I've been testing about every 4 days. Just tested again right now and it's still 1.2

 

[Pickle_soup]

Yes, I've been testing about every 4 days. Just tested again right now and it's still 1.2

But you did a 30% water change? When?

 

[gustavviklund]

But you did a 30% water change? When?

Yes 3 days ago. Im doing another tomorrow because i've not been able to the last few days

 

[Pickle_soup]

Yes 3 days ago. Im doing another tomorrow because i've not been able to the last few days

I am not buying those levels, to be honest with you. Do you have nitrates in your tank? What test are you using?

 

[gustavviklund]

I am not buying those levels, to be honest with you. Do you have nitrates in your tank? What test are you using?

One is Red Sea and the other is from Tetra

 

[gustavviklund]

Do you have nitrates in your tank?

Yes nitrate 20 ppm and nitrite 0