Bizzare test results?

[sappho]

I have the API test kit and I have really inconsistent ammonia test results. The photo shows three tests, the first two from my aquarium and the third from rodi water. I expected a false positive but this is ridiculous! I know they darken with time so I took the photo a half an hour after the test. My fish all appear happy and healthy so Im assuming that the ammonia cant be that high. My other parameters are all good. Is it the test or the water? If its the test, what brand would be better?

 

[kfisc]

Short of bizarrely bad source water, I'd say it's time for a new test kit. I like Salifert. but one thing to consider is if your kit is brand new, take it back to the LFS and get a refund. Even online dealers might provide a refund if its that far off.

 

[T Haynes]

Api ammonia tests are horrible imo. I've always read high. Had same water tested elsewhere and came back negative

 

[leviburns89]

+1 on the fact that API offers some pretty crappy testing supplies


Amazon has Red Sea fish pharm test kit which comes with ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite for $39 with free shipping. Much much better deal. And each test has 100 uses I think.