HELP! Ammonia in RO?!

[That New Guy]

As part of trying to eliminate the algae in my tank, I tested my RO water.

The water I use to top off and make salt for water changes, just tested at .25 ppm AMMONIA. How on earth is this possible? I have an aquaticlife pro 200 GPD RO with 2 month old filters.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Preble]

Api test kit?

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[That New Guy]

Yes, API test kit. Also about two months old.

 

[Preble]

I'm no expert, but in my few years I have found the the api ammonia test kit isn't the most accurate.
I'm sure a few more people here will agree, maybe try another brand.


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[thegrun]

API test kits notoriously show a 0.25 reading when no ammonia is in fact present. Try a Salifert test kit.

 

[Timfish]

Assuming your utility company is using chloramines in your tap water our API kit is showing the correct reading. A RO membrane won't remove the ammonia from tapwater. You need a DI cartridge for that. The carbon filter on an RO unit will break the chloramine bond and trap the chlorine but it passes on the ammonia. FYI I use just RO on my tanks, the trace ammounts of ammonia are an important source of nitrogen for corals (my screen name on yourtube is "Timfishone" if you want to check some of my systems).

 

[That New Guy]

So should I just keep topping off and making water with this ammonia ridden water or get a DI canister?

 

[CarrieB]

Since you say you have an algae problem, I'm guessing you don't need any more nitrates in your tank. I'd get a DI filter.


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[Ztous]

It's the kit my 100 gallon will test for .25 ammonia right now and always. As did my 30g when I had it. My tanks were/are established with long term success so I know they didn't exist in a perpetual state of ammonia being present. this is a commonly reported thing.

It could be the water but I would get a better test kit before jumping through hoops to get ammonia to zero.

 

[Sk8r]

I'd say get a Salifert kit.