Liquid Api Ammonia Test Weirdness

[cryslea]

I recently completed a fishless cycle, and recently added some fish. I've been testing my water every night. Last night, I tested my ammonia levels and it was slightly yellow-green: .25. This morning, when I went to turn on the light for the fish and noticed that I had neglected to empty out the test tube last night, and that the same test I ran last night was now yellow: 0 ammonia.

I can understand if the test got DARKER over night if I had read it too early, but it's getting LIGHTER. Is this normal? Which reading is correct?

 

[TribeOfShroom]

Hi,

I find this with my tests if I've been lazy and not washed out the tubes (don't get into the habit of it). Just re-test and follow the instrictions for the test. For ammonia and nitrate/nitrite mine says to shake vigerously and then leave for 5 mins.

 

[rdd1952]

After a period of time, the colors change. Probably after about 30 minutes, the colors may be off. Also, I have found that if you leave the ammonia test in particular in the tube for a day, it will stain the inside and you will have to take something and clean it out.

 

[cryslea]

Thanks guys. I was assuming the first reading was correct, but thought it weird that the color got lighter. Ah, well. Live and learn.