Trace amounts of ammonia

[Bryan47]

Because if I'm just putting ammonia in trying to decrease nitrates I'm only going to get more nitrates. However I getting a consistent 0 on nitrites. And 5-10 on my nitrates. I have some tropic Marin salt I will try and see if it yields the same results.

 

[Bryan47]

Okay so I just tried with a new box of TropicMarin Salt and got the same result. This water is faucet temperature so I just put a heater in to bring it up to 80 degrees Farenheit to see if this has any effect.

So is the salt causing ammonia or causing a false reading of ammonia? I'm going to call a few of the big salt companies tomorrow to ask.

 

[Bryan47]

Here is a picture of the tropic marin ammonia test and the rest of my tank water

Tropic Marin:

My Display:

 

[firstlight10]

Temperature shouldn't have any effect on your ammonia reading.

 

[Bryan47]

It may however effect how the salt mixes. I was told large salt granules can cause this. My tank reading is showing a little green tint as well. I called IO today but was on hold for like 15 minutes so I left a message.

 

[TwelveL16]

lol there is no ammonia in your salt. Its the API test kit that is 100% 0 ammonia it always shows that color. stop wasting them you dont have any ammonia in your tank. Way over thinking it man.

 

[Bryan47]

Well that makes me feel better. I will order a different test kit just to confirm. What brand would you recommend ? Thank you!

 

[TwelveL16]

I use API when i see that color i know im good. Actually never test ammonia on my tanks anymore, once your tank has cycled you should never ever see ammonia again unless something catastrophic happens.