Red Sea Ammonia Test Results

[Indiana Jones]

I am hoping someone can help me learn to read my ammonia levels from the Red Sea Ammonia test kit.

SG = 1.024
Temp = 78.5
NH3 = 2
PH = 7.6
NO2 = 0?

If my ammonia is at 2, ph at 7.6 and temp at 78.5. My ammonia is 2.3% of 2ppm = 0.0046ppm?

I added water with live sand and dry rock last Sunday. I added Dr Tim's One and Only yesterday with the recommended ammonia drops. I'm only on day 2 of the fishless cycle.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Your calculation converting total ammonia to free ammonia is correct.

Total ammonia of 2ppm is pretty much where you should be at the moment.

However, I strongly doubt your pH is 7.6. How are you testing it?

 

[Indiana Jones]

Your calculation converting total ammonia to free ammonia is correct.

Total ammonia of 2ppm is pretty much where you should be at the moment.

However, I strongly doubt your pH is 7.6. How are you testing it?

Thanks for the clarification. I tested pH with the Red Sea test kit. I added 5mL of water and 3 drops of the provided solution, shook for 10 seconds and then compared to the card. It was on the lower end and more green than blue

 

[gbroadbridge]

Ooops, actually your calculation is out by a factor of 10.

2 * 0.023 = 0.046ppm Free Ammonia

Sorry.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Ooops, actually your calculation is out by a factor of 10.

2 * 0.023 = 0.046ppm Free Ammonia

Sorry.

Thanks, I'm just trying to make sense of it all.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Thanks, I'm just trying to make sense of it all.

Okay, best thing to keep in mind is that it typically takes 30 days for a tank to cycle, and anything sooner is best case and a matter of luck. And measuring every day does not make it go any faster, just causes frustration

 

[Indiana Jones]

Thanks