docjr03

I have had my tank for 1 week. I started it with tetra-safe and have been doing 50% water changes with additions of prime to keep my ammonia levels down which have held steady at 0.5ppm. I started testing the water after the changes, and the ammonia levels were the same. I then decided to test the water in the bucket before adding the tap water and the tests were at 0.5ppm.

Here's the pertinent info:
API master test kit
clean, never used bucket
no other chemical additions
clear water
a few live plants
2 neons that appear healthy and active
7.0 pH

Any thoughts?

Peterpiper

Has the water your testing been treated with Prime?
If your using Prime it with detox the ammonia, but you can still get a reading on a test.

docjr03

I suspected that, so I tested the water in the bucket before adding the prime.

Peterpiper

Take the test tube and rinse it in warm tap water, then cold, rinse it well.
take a sample from the tap and test again.

docjr03

I thought a dirty test tube might be the culprit; I'll give it a shot...

docjr03

I cleaned them as you suggested, tested all 4 and I get the same results. Is this normal for tap water, or do you think I have a faulty kit?

Dozey

Check the expiry date on your test kit. On the bottom of the label is a number. The last four digits are the month and year of manufacturing. The test kits are good for 3 years from that date.

Some tap water does contain ammonia although 0.5ppm seems extremely high. I would consider speaking to the water management agency in your area to inquire about the high level of ammonia in the tap water if that is the case.

If the ammonia is really that high in your tap water I would consider another source for water both for the fish and yourself.

docjr03

I just tested my tank, which has been circulating a 50% water change for about an hour and a half. The test was about 0.25ppm. I wonder if my tap water has 0.5ppm and the prime affected ammonia is not showing up on the test. Maybe on the next water change I should double the amount of prime I use? (I am adding enough to treat the whole tank, not just the added water)

docjr03

Thanks for the response. The number on the bottom of the bottles are:
#1 1711A-04-0806
#2 17128-04-0806
Looks like my kit is just about expired, but should still be accurate...

Dozey

Technically it should still be accurate but anything can fail long before its time. If at all possible have your aquarium and tap water tested by an additional source. Even a LFS using test strips might give you an idea of what the readings are.

docjr03

I agree. I will take the test back to petsmart along with a couple samples and see what they say. I think a call to the county is in order, too...