API liquid test kit

[Strider199]

From what I have found on the API site and a post here, the liquid test fluids for ammonia can be used for both fresh and salt water testing.

Is this correct? The saltwater colour chart is posted on the API site for both salt and fresh water so I can compare there is the is a variant in shades.

If this is correct, I just tested my 55 gallon and I'm at 0.25 ppm.

(Note; there is only uncured live rock in the tank. I'm just starting the cycle process.)

[Cliff]

The liquids are the same as I have used the same test kit for both SW and FW.

I have a SW ammonia color chart that is different than my FW color chart. But I did buy those a little over a year ago now. Unless they have changed in the past year or two, there are different color charts for SW and FW. Same for the nitrite, nitrate, and pH

[Strider199]

Thank you for the conformation Cliff. I did review the two different colour charts on the API site which I used to have my daughter compare the colours. Her eyes are younger, lol.

As a side question; a video I was watching on the net had a couple of guys saying cycling with uncured live rock will cause the tank to really smell bad so they added a HOB filter with activated carbon to reduce the odour.
Whats your take on this? At the moment mine is fine so I haven't gotten the Marineland 350 out yet.

[Cliff]

Depending on the quality of the live rock and the amount of die-off, it can smell a little strong

When I cycled my 90 gallon, I added uncured live rock that was just shipped to our SW LFS. It was out of water for about 18 hours. After two days in my tank, the basement smelt like I had a three day old dead fish on the floor. Die off on live rock just smells bad, not two ways around that.

When I cycled my last two tanks, I used cured live rock with no noticable offending smells at all.

[Strider199]

Some thing to look forward too.

I better get the HOB ready just in case.

My Uncured Live Rock was submerged at the lfs and crated up in Styrofoam with some saltwater. It was added to the tank within 6 hours during which time a kept it wet as best I could with the water in that cooler.

Its been 4 days now I think and there is no real smell to it so far.

I appreciate you sharing your experiences, it really helps prepare a person. Thanks.

[Cliff]

If you don't have that "smell" after 4 days, you should be fine.

[Strider199]

My wife says, "Thank God."