Noobie questions!

[nopenotpeter]

Hey r2r! I've been a lurker for awhile, especially while researching the saltwater hobby. I haven't had a tank since I was a kid and it's scary seeing how much I did wrong knowing what I know now.

I'm wondering if someone can shed some light on my API test results. I saw my ammonia spike, then lower, then my nitrites spiked and lowered which was to be expected. Now my nitrites are reading 0ppm, but my ammonia is still somewhere between 0-0.25ppm. This seemed a bit odd to me, so in an effort to verify those results I picked up a Seachem ammonia alert which after 24 hours of being in the tank is reading 0ppm.

That said, I'd like to start adding some clean up crew as I'm getting some algae starting to appear but due to them being more sensitive I didn't want to get them and risk them just dying.

What should I believe? The API or Seachem? Doing some searching on the forums it sounds like people are iffy on the API tests, but I wanted some additional feedback if possible!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Woodyman]

Essentially API does not have the capability to give accurate readings, it is not sensitive enough for that low range. It's alright as a indicator for Ammonia vs no ammonia, but not reliable for accurate readings of how much is actually present.

If you observed the spike and fall of ammonia, nitrite, and a spike of nitrate you are cycled.

 

[nopenotpeter]

Essentially API does not have the capability to give accurate readings, it is not sensitive enough for that low range. It's alright as a indicator for Ammonia vs no ammonia, but not reliable for accurate readings of how much is actually present.

If you observed the spike and fall of ammonia, nitrite, and a spike of nitrate you are cycled.

I appreciate the quick feedback! Thank you!

 

[PatW]

API ammonia tests often give a low ammonia reading when 0 is present. I use the ammonia alert badge in my quarantine tank. But for the display, I would want a 0 from a decent test. You can go with Salifert, Red Sea or Hanna. Or you could just go with the badge. Another thing, is the fact that nitrites have risen and fallen is a strong indication that the cycle is complete. You should be good to go.

 

[nopenotpeter]

API ammonia tests often give a low ammonia reading when 0 is present. I use the ammonia alert badge in my quarantine tank. But for the display, I would want a 0 from a decent test. You can go with Salifert, Red Sea or Hanna. Or you could just go with the badge. Another thing, is the fact that nitrites have risen and fallen is a strong indication that the cycle is complete. You should be good to go.

Not a bad idea. I think one of my LFS has Redsea tests. I appreciate the feedback, thank you!