Ammonia level not going below 0.25 ppm

My ammonia level seems to be not going below 0.25 ppm since 1 week even after water change and increasing the media (ceramic rings). The nitrites are 0 and nitrates are 10-20 ppm. It's a well planted 20 gallon long tank (water sprite, anubias, hornworts and crypts). The plants grow crazy as well as fish are doing good too (3 panda cory and 1 dwarf puffer). Any reasons you think of that can be causing this ammonia. Also, I use flourish root tabs and nilocg 2 squirts in a week.

 

What test are you using? I've heard that api's liquid ammonia test can sometimes read 0 as 0.25. Try testing other waters to see if they read the same

 

What test are you using? I've heard that api's liquid ammonia test can sometimes read 0 as 0.25. Try testing other waters to see if they read the same

I use API freshwater test kit. I have a 40 gallon aquarium and tested the water in that, shows a yellow (0 ppm).

 

As long as it doesn't get higher than that I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I agee with JettsPaps. Dont worry about it. In a balanced tank with plants that are constantly taking in nutrients, growing, shedding leaves; with nails, fish, invertebrates always eating and pooping there is a steady stream of ammonia being added and removed from your tank. The key is to find out how to keep a balance that is consistent and healthy for your tank. Since ammonia is always being added to the tank its not unreasonable to expect there would always be traceable ammonia present. 0 ammonia is great but if you can keep your tank in a state of balance with ammonia at .25 or less you are in good shape.

 

JettsPapa RDcompton03 Thanks for your replies. I agree with you guys and keep an eye to check if the tank is balanced and the ammonia level is not shooting up.

 

Weird if its heavily planted AND your other tank shows 0. Plants will consume ammonia, so if there is a small amount they should eat it. Regardless, .25ppm isnt anything to worry about. If it stays that low, dont give it a second thought.