Is this Ammonia reading ok?

**KILLJOLLY69** · 04-09-2009, 01:51 AM

so here is what my seachem ammonia in tank reader looks like...its a blurry picture but as u can see the top outer rim of the inside circle is the color of the Alert stage,....but the rest and the bottom half of the reader is yellow....i'm wondering if this is normal and i did a 1/3 WC today bout 5 hours ago on it! someone please let me know!Seachem.jpg

**bushwhacker** · 04-09-2009, 02:18 AM

couldnt tell ya as i've never seen one before hopefully someone else has

**DrNic** · 04-09-2009, 02:42 AM

Honestly I don't use those, but I have heard that they can go off after a while. How old is it?

**KILLJOLLY69** · 04-09-2009, 04:51 AM

it is weird i have no idea...the circle is yellow and safe...but the outer rim is in the alert color....it says nothing on the back of the pamphlet about it....UGH

**terrapin24h** · 04-09-2009, 01:19 PM

most people on the board have no respect for those, they are too unreliable. Using a liquid test kit and compare the results of the two

--chris

**Wild Turkey** · 04-09-2009, 01:35 PM

i agree get a liquid test kit. With the answer to "is my ammonia reading ok?" is easy, is it zero? if so, then yes

**KILLJOLLY69** · 04-09-2009, 07:49 PM

so what do u guys think of just using some API Ammolock, and then getting the test kit to check???

**Wild Turkey** · 04-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by KILLJOLLY69

so what do u guys think of just using some API Ammolock, and then getting the test kit to check???

IMO, No dont use ammo lock, that is one of the chemicals i was referencing to as not to be used. The reason being water changes do everything such chemicals and additives will do for your aquarium(take ur levels down), but more effectively and more accurately.
Ammo lock has also been known to give false readings. If you are using older test kits the chance is much higher, but either way its one more reason to pass on such products.

If you dont already have a test kit, are you taking the water to a lfs or??

I would invest in a freshwater master test kit ASAP. Ammonia nitrite nitrate and ph test kits are included for about 20-25usd

**Northernguy** · 04-09-2009, 08:08 PM

Water changes every day until your ammonia is down.
Than water changes daily until your nitrites are down.
Once that happens you will be cycled.
You have fish so the w/cs are very important.Without them dead fish and you start over.
You cannot do this properly without a proper test kit.Have you taken any water to the fish store to have tested?Try it and compare it to your kit.It will tell you weather or not your kit is working and where your water is.

**KILLJOLLY69** · 04-09-2009, 09:06 PM

i went to the store got aquarium pharmicuticals liquid ammonia tester tested my ammonia and then dip my 6 in 1 test strip and got all my readings! it was faster and i felt it was way more accurate than the seachem.....I must say I am very happy i got this...i do cahge my water everyday...i am doing everything i'm supposed to...i will post my readings on my blog! thx for the input.