Ammonia Test Question

[upsy daisy]

I have a question for those testing with API test kits. When you test for ammonia, have you ever managed to achieve the same brightness and hue of yellow as on the little card? I keep getting frustrated, because I can never tell when the ammonia in my tank is actually on 0, because no matter what, I keep seeing a greenish tinge. I keep getting the same greenish hint even if I test tap water (ok, I hear you say, there could be ammonia in tap water, too), but bottled water? Yes, if I test bottled water, I still see a bit of green, as well. Is there a better and more accurate ammonia test?

Yes, I forgot to add that when I test by the artificial light, I mean lamplight, it is completely infuriating.

Can anyone recommend me a more accurate test than API? I don't mind getting a separate and slightly more expensive test.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

It may not be the exact same shade but it'll be yellow .

I actually read the label on tap water the other day and it was full of ammonia, nitrite and nitrates...I was suprised.

 

[arobinson1984]

As long as your tank water is testing the same as your tap water than you dont really have anything to worry about, if your tap water has traces of ammonia present then if your tank is cycled, your filter will soon process it.


If you want another accurate ammonia test, try the saliferts one


Andy

 

[Twinklecaz]

Mine has green if I just hold it up to the light (I realised it may be coz I hold it to the window and there's loads of trees outside ) but it's yellow if I hold it on the white of the card. I wouldn't say it's ever exactly the same colour though but you have to think, the cards are solid blocks of colour whereas the test is clear colour.

If you're still not happy with it you could try the Salifet test. If it's 0 Ammonia then it'll just stay clear.

 

[Defiance]

Hiya's,

I have yet to use the api testers

I have never had a problem with the sets i use though, they are the large boxed kit by Nutrafin

Around about £17 in the UK

Ammonia for instance, add drops to the water, shake and instantly if any yellow shows you're in trouble but there's a colour chart to give the range (like all the tests included) , nitrite test works on the clear to purple scale, real easy to read

So for the main 2 tests i use often, if anything other than clear water you have some water changes to do

Simple, foolproof, not too bad a price really

Tony

ps: you get pH-NH3/NH4-NO3-N02 tests, 7 bottles in all 2 glass test tubes, 1 cheap n nasty pipette which i've never used

 

[upsy daisy]

Thank you everyone for your input! I wonder, has anyone ever used SeaChem Ammonia Alert?

 

[upsy daisy]

My Salifert test arrived this morning! I tested the water and 0 ammonia! That means I have been changing water "just in case" all this last week for nothing. API is fine for testing nitrites and all the rest but I simply cannot read API ammonia test.

 

[JoshuaA]

The Ammonia test if reading 0 tends to have a "Thick" appearance and somewhat gloopy... It's hard to describe.

Once it actually reads ammonia it is actually quite distinctively different, I find light effects the colour of the test significantly and non direct sun light is the best to read it in. My 2nd tank has a arcadia pod light on and that really messes with the results!