Water test - API question

[tidus10]

So my PH reads right around 7.9, nitrite is around 0 and nitrate is around 2.5 I'd say.. But my ammonia is staying white.. It's been a few minutes now and hasn't changed at all... Supposed to be yella and it's not.. Any idea? This is the second test of ammonia and the first was like that too


~Tidus

 

[Reefing Madness]

Its not 0. How long has the tank been up? you have something die lately?
How old is the kit? Have you tested it against your RO water and tap water?

 

[always reefin]

I've never seen white ammonia with that test

 

[mike007]

You might take a sample to your lfs and compare your results with there test kits. I have had different results with different test kits. I currently use seachem and redsea and find they are very close with the results. That makes me feel more comfortable. Not all test kits are accurate.

 

[tidus10]

The tank is new

Been running for about 3 weeks now and the rocks were cured for about 5 weeks before it went into this system and I seeded about 25 gallons from an older tank I had.. No fish to die.


~Tidus

 

[tidus10]

No I haven't tested It against my tap water..


~Tidus

 

[Reefing Madness]

Its just a sanity check to see if the test is working.

 

[tidus10]

it should read all 0 on tap?

 

[Reefing Madness]

On tap water, no, it will be all over the place using tap. I'd suggest using RO/DI water for the test.

 

[darkblack]

Test kit could be old.but that looks like 0 to me .

 

[tidus10]

the kit read whatever the 3rd green thing down on the ammonia a week and a half ago so it hasnt always read this badly

 

[Reefing Madness]

Test can get worse before it gets better. Once its cycled though you don't want it jumping around.

 

[beaslbob]

The ammonia test is bogus. Get a second opinion. And do the test with the same water on your kit and someone else's kit.

 

[navila06]

one time I acidently put 8 drops of bottle # 1 in twice and it turned white like that, I'm not saying that's what you did, but it's a possibility.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[tidus10]

I double checked the amount and retested my kit.. Still white.. I'm going to bring some to my LFS


~Tidus

 

[justgotwet]

Good call!