Can you really achieve zero ammonia?

I've been trying to get my ammoniua level to zero, but are having hard time. A did 50% water changes 3 times in past week, and added AmmoLock.

Still, I have 0.50 ppm ammonia. Is that safe?

Thank you.

 

You are probably getting a high reading from the ammo-lock. Are you using another dechlorinator? I would try to switch to Seachem Prime Dechlorinator, it will take out the chlorine and protect against low amounts of ammonia. Are you able to purchase it where you are?

I wouldn't use the ammo-lock anymore. Your tank will not get cycled if you keep using it. It binds the ammonia up so the good beneficial bacteria can't feed on it. Just use your dechlor and do water changes when the ammonia rises like you have been.

 

I just came back from my local fish store and picked up a few guppies, as my water is "healthy".

I decided to test the water from the fish store. Ammonia level was NOT zero. It was 0.50 ppm.

So is that okay? Has anyone achieved zero?

 

Mine regularly tests zero with the liquid test kit. What water did you test? If the bag water the fish were in, they probably loaded it with ammonia during travel.

 

Yes, you can achieve 0.

If you’re using the API Master Test kit. . . I’ve never experienced this myself, but a fair number of folks apparently show a false positive ammonia reading of around 0.25 ppm.

How long has your tank been running?

 

Mine regularly tests zero with the liquid test kit. What water did you test? If the bag water the fish were in, they probably loaded it with ammonia during travel.

Yes the bag the fish were in. They were in there only about a hour.

 

Yes the bag the fish were in. They were in there only about a hour.

My bad. I thought you tested your tank.

 

Yes, you can achieve 0.

If you’re using the API Master Test kit. . . I’ve never experienced this myself, but a fair number of folks apparently show a false positive ammonia reading of around 0.25 ppm.

How long has your tank been running?

My 2 10 gallon tanks have been running about 2 years. I had recent ammonia spike in both, so now I'm trying to resolve that.

 

I have always had zero ammonia in all my tanks. Just need a robust enough population of nitrifiers.

That's why I always go for overkill. XD As much MarinePure as I can pack in a filter to make sure there's ample space for plenty of nitrifiers to colonize.

Usually that also means even if there is a death, or if I tear apart my aquascape and stir the sand like crazy, still no ammonia. ^_^

 

My 2 10 gallon tanks have been running about 2 years. I had recent ammonia spike in both, so now I'm trying to resolve that.

How much of a spike?

Did you change anything with your tank or filter just prior to the spike?

 

Well, as I posted the other day, I did a water check on my LFS's water. 30 minute drive.
Barely above 0 Am, what some might be calling a false ammonia?, 0 trites and I think it was 10 trates.

I think 0 is very attainable, but I am suspect of color matching water to a cardboard swatch.

 

How much of a spike?

Did you change anything with your tank or filter just prior to the spike?

I think I was not changing the water enough. Learned my lesson. My 10 gal tanks need 50% water change every 10 days or so. That' s my new plan going forward.