Ammonia

[Allanmelendez]

Hi I have a blue reading from api test kit for ammonia. And the reading is from yellow to dark green so my ammonia reading is higher lower or don't have?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

There was a post the other day that indicated this level is excessively high. Does the API literature say anything about it?

 

[Ron Reefman]

I suspect you have a very high reading. But that's just a semi educated guess. I use API test kits and have for over 15 years.

I have a few questions:
First, does the test kit have an expiration date? is it still current?
Second, are you using a saltwater ammonia test kit? Not trying to be snarky here, just a basic question.
Third, Is it possible the color could be very dark green?

You could take a small sample of your water and dilute it with an equal amount of new clean saltwater (not freshwater). Then test it again. If it was a high reading, then diluting it by 50% should/could get you a different reading.

The other option is to take a sample of your water (and your test kit) to an LFS. They can test your water with their kit and see what they get. If it's different from your test, have them test their water with their kit and with yours and see if they are very different. Maybe you just have a bad test kit.

 

[Allanmelendez]

Bought another one and same reading did 50% water change twice same reading. It blue and exp 2024 new one 2023

 

[Allanmelendez]

Everything else is good

 

[Ron Reefman]

That's really BLUE! Very curious. I'd take a water sample to an LFS and have them test the water. And I'd take one of your kits and have them try your test kit on their water. Most LFS will be happy to do this for you for free.

Good luck.