Testing for ammonia

[mepling]

I have been using 'Jungle' Quick Dip Ammonia test kit for my salt aquarium. You can get this at Walmart but it doesn't seem very accurate. Does anyone have an inexpensive recommendation for testing aquarium water?

 

[beaslbob]

I use the api test kit but it is kinda hard to tell the difference between 0 and .25 the lowest reading.

Seachem has a multitest kit that measures both free and total (including the locked) ammonia. It takes time but if you are using a dechlor or conditioner like prime, it can tell you if the ammonia is locked up.

Most test kits including the api will still register ammonia even if the chemicals have locked it up.


my .02

 

[mike007]

Seachem has a ammonia test that actually goes inside tank and sticks to glass. Very inexpensive.

 

[mepling]

Thanks. I have bought RO water and tested it right away and my Jungle strip said it had like .25 ammonia. So I will probably try some different kinds of testing kits. Plus, after my RO water sat in a bucket for two weeks it read higher ammonia than when I brought it home.. I don't see how that is possible.

 

[mepling]

I am really new at this water testing. What is the difference between locked up ammonia and free ammonia?

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Locked ammonia is ammonia that has been binded by using a product such as Ammolock. When the ammonia is locked, it is not toxic to the fish. Free ammonia is toxic. This is my understanding.

 

[mepling]

ok, thanks

 

[justgotwet]

Jack's aquarium or pet smart sell the API test kits or you can order them online.