Confusion when using water test kit?

[Zhugelaocunfu]

This question troubled me over past monthes: I am confused at the result I get from the Salifert test kit for ammonia since different lighting gives different color of the solution:

This is what I get under warm color toned light, comes from water test few minutes ago,looks like 0.15

The same test result under white light, looks like 0 now:

Since 0.1 ammonia can possibly kill fish (I have 10.0 kh so this will get only worse as more ammo exists as NH3, trying to lower it), I want to know what color of light should I put the test kit under to test my result?

 

[lmfbs]

You should view under 'daylight' - literally go outside if you can, but if not, whiter bulbs rather than yellow ones are better.

 

[I never finish anythi]

Looks ok to me

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Since 0.1 ammonia can possibly kill fish (I have 10.0 kh so this will get only worse as more ammo exists as NH3, trying to lower it), I want to know what color of light should I put the test kit under to test my result?

Both readings seem Ok to me. I do not believe there is evidence of 0.1 ppm total ammonia killing any marine fish.

Ammonia and the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[doubleshot00]

I have given up on the salifert ammonia test. I had two and both did not read ammonia correctly. The last one i was defiantly having an ammonia spike in a QT tank. Salifert test looked just like yours but Red sea and api was green and the ammonia badge was a different shade. I use the red sea ammonia test now and IMO the api test is more accurate than the salifert. Now all other salifert test kits have been pretty good.

I would try another test kit.