Unexplained Ammonia Reading

[Greygal]

hi everyone

I just did a small water change this morning 20% approx for regular cleaning and have had an unexpected result that I hope you guys can help me with.

Following a fishless cycle I added my first two fish two weeks ago exactly (2 platy) and have tested the water every 2 days since then and readings have been; ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 5-10.

We were hoping to get more fish today so did a partial water change and cleaned the glass, etc, then tested again after about an hour and results showed ammonia 0.25, nitrite 0, nitrate 5! Didn't expect this at all so tested ammonia again and got same result. Decided to postpone getting any new fish and I have new water warming up to tank temperature right now.

Out of curiosity I decided to test ammonia again while waiting for the water to warm up and it's now back to showing 0 so I'm a bit confused.

I'm using the API test kit and read below about inaccuracies - could this be a glitch? Am I testing to soon after a water change?

Any advice would be appreciated. Fish seem fine btw

GG x

 

[Aqua Tom]

Test your tapwater, it sounds like you may have Ammonia in it before it goes into the tank.

 

[Greygal]

Thank you. Just tested tap water and it's 0 for ammonia. Could I have tested too soon after water change and gravel vac?

 

[Aqua Tom]

Adding a 0% ammonia water change to a 0% ammonia tank cannot possibly raise the Ammonia, so it is somthing between the tap & your tank. How do you fill the tank?

 

[Greygal]

I have a bucket that is only used for fish stuff (just bought it when we got the fish 2 weeks ago) and a plastic jug to transfer the water from bucket to tank. I do store the gravel cleaner, net, etc in the bucket though.

 

[Rickzayne]

I have heard some people say de chlorinator turns it in to ammonium which you might be picking up?

 

[Greygal]

Thank you. Just about to test the new water in the bucket which has just been treated.


Tank water, tap water and newly treated water all 0 for ammonia so no idea where my earlier reading came from. Will keep a close eye on things.

Thank you.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Keep us updated, I am curious.


T

 

[CrazyAirborne]

sound to me like a test kit issue. it happens, people say API ammonia tests can be very inaccurate some times. since you tested multiple times, and now are getting a zero reading. i would say that is accurate. could have been human error on the testing procedure as well. good luck!

 

[Greygal]

Well, we are none the wiser here as tested later on Saturday and again on Sunday and ammonia is still 0, nitrite 0 & nitrate 10. Fish seem happy and are feeding, swimming about as normal so no idea what happened to give me the 0.25 ammonia result. Will keep testing this week until I'm sure all is ok before we add more fish.

Hopefully it was just a glitch but I'll keep a close eye on things.

Thanks for your replies.

GG x

 

[Aqua Tom]

Seems to be just a missreading, it happens. Keep up the checks.

 

[LilyRose Tank]

also are you thoroughly cleaning the glass vials for testing, the lids can hold onto the tiniest amount of fluid which would be released into the vial on shaking.......there may have been some ammonia residue left from when you were fishless cycling...keep testing the test few days and if its back to 0 then try adding fish again...good luck

 

[Greygal]

also are you thoroughly cleaning the glass vials for testing, the lids can hold onto the tiniest amount of fluid which would be released into the vial on shaking.......there may have been some ammonia residue left from when you were fishless cycling...keep testing the test few days and if its back to 0 then try adding fish again...good luck

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. Tests are all fine again so will wait until weekend before adding new fish assuming water is still ok. Hopefully it was just a glitch.

GG x