25% then 75% WC, ammonia still 0.25. what the heck?

[I_Got_Crabs]

Sorry. 50%, not 75%. 20 gallon QT with 2 fish. Tank was not cycled but thought an 8 lbs live rock and sponge filter fron DT would do the trick. Using an API liquid ammonia test.

Last night - 0.25 NH3
25% water change + Prime to detoxify NH3
This morning - 0.25 NH3
50% water change
30 mins later - 0.25 NH3

With same kit:
DT - 0.00 NH3
RODI - 0.00 NH3

what the heck is going on here?

 

[Crabs McJones]

The API test kits are notorious for giving false ammonia readings. I'd actually look into the salifert test kits personally.

 

[jeffrey psaros]

Test whatever saltwater you use for water change and look at the colors side by side. Api often keeps a green tint to it...if the tank and fresh saltwater match, you know it’s zero!

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Test whatever saltwater you use for water change and look at the colors side by side. Api often keeps a green tint to it...if the tank and fresh saltwater match, you know it’s zero!

I did that. One of the vials in the pic is from the RODI water I did the change with.... Or do you mean mixed SW with this RODI?

 

[Scotty Buttons]

I'd definitely switch to a better test kit. And I would put a ammonia badge in that QT tank.

 

[jeffrey psaros]

Mixed salt water