amonia

[nemofan087]

!AMONIA!! I am 8 months into my tank...everything seems to be ok but i cant shake the amonia.I pull water changes every 2 to 3 weeks( if not before),change filters/ clean etc daily. almost positve i'm not overfeeding, just the other day i did a 45% water change, cleane(d) gravel/ substrate to no end and yet i am still round the .25 ppm. I even got the lps to take a sample of the water and everything comes back great except for this traceable amount of amon. Tried h2o changes, ammolock, amo detox etc...*.25 still vents back though ** parameters are, temp80, salinity 1.023, 29 to 32 lbs lr fish included in profile. any suggestions!?? any help greatly appreciated!!..nemo

 

[drummereef]

What test kit did you and your LFS use to test?

 

[nemofan087]

mine-aquarium pharmaceuticals, his not sure...

 

[drummereef]

Unless an animal has died or you are going through a mini cycle, I wouldn't stress. Most salt mixes, when freshly mixed, will show .25 ammonia. There are other sources of ammonia as well. A good rule of thumb is if your nitrite test is showing 0, then you have no ammonia or at least a neglagable amount. Here's an article that explains much more on the subject than I can.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-02/rhf/index.php#14

 

[nemofan087]

Just read the articles.,thanks! But to add to confusion there has been no additions/ subtraction from tank other than the water changes and food, im just wondering if its gonna stay at that level.Is Constant ok? I'm aware of needed level to be 0 but It hasnt risen above .25 nor below. The article did however hint at a 'stable or constant 'amo. level?. , just looking for reassurance that at the particular level or less, am i going to be ok, safe to add corals or small items to tank as long as level is carefully watched?

 

[drummereef]

I think it's fine. Some of these test kits don't accurately test low levels of ammonia. If your nitrite is zero then I wouldn't worry about it. You'll be safe to add your corals no prob.

 

[nemofan087]

thanks!!! i will sleep much better tonight!!!

 

[drummereef]

So will your fishies.

 

[Lotus99]

Have you tested your new water for ammonia before you add it?