Ammonia In Tap Water

[The Duke]

So I tested my aquarium water and got a 0.25 reading for ammonia using the API test kit. Out of interest I then tested the water straight from the tap and got the same reading!! Any thoughts?

 

[CezzaXV]

Not really a problem. It'd be nice if it wasn't there, but a cycled filter should be able to clear that in no time. A dechlor that binds ammonia like Prime will be good to use too if you don't already.

 

[soundteaser]

Hi, dodgy test kit i would say. I get the same reading with my API test kit on a mature tank with loads of filtration. You could try a different test kit if you are worried.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Ammonia in tap water isnt that uncommon in the US. Test a bottle of water or some water that you KNOW is ammonia free. If you still get the same reading, its the test kit.

I have 1ppm of ammonia in my tap water. I use prime to bind it and the filter takes are of it in no time.

 

[The Duke]

What is prime? Where would I get some from? My other readings are nitrites - 0 and nitrates - 10

 

[CezzaXV]

Seachem Prime is a dechlorinator. It's highly concentrated and very economical to use. It also binds ammonia to a form that is less toxic to your fish but still fully usable by your biological filter.

 

[The Duke]

So I could just add this to my tank water when doing a water change?

 

[CezzaXV]

You add it to the water you're adding in. It's the same as any other dechlor.