Freshwater test kit! High ammonia?!?

So I’m new to fish keeping and I just tested my water and I can’t really tell what my ammonia reading is telling me is my ammonia 0 ppm or 0.25 ppm and if it is 0.25 ppm how do I lower it? My nitrate level is 0.5 ppm and my nitrite levels are 0 ppm.

 

That looks like 0.25ppm to me, which isnt dangerously toxic but the API testkit is known for a false Ammonia reading of 0.25ppm when really its 0ppm Ammonia. Having 0ppm Nitrites mean you're not in a cycle so its mostly likely a false reading.

Best way I figured for my kit is testing natural spring water. It has 0ppm Ammonia, 0ppm Nitrites and some Nitrates. If it comes out the same color, then its the testkit

 

Distinguishing between 0 and .25 is often difficult using the API kit.

To me, your result looks closer to .25. The only way to reduce ammonia, no matter the level, is a water change.

How long has your tank been set up and are you using a product like Prime? Are there fish in the tank?

 

I havent' gotten false positive with the api test kit BUT with unnatural light it will sometime look a bit greenish. WHen i poor it out it is pure yellow or look at it through a window.

 

Distinguishing between 0 and .25 is often difficult using the API kit.

To me, your result looks closer to .25. The only way to reduce ammonia, no matter the level, is a water change.

How long has your tank been set up and are you using a product like Prime? Are there fish in the tank?

My tank has been set up for about a year now I had two betta fish in there but one recently passed.

 

My tank has been set up for about a year now I had two betta fish in there but one recently passed.

Your tank should be cycled.

Can you do another ammonia test, allow it to sit for 5 minutes and put it on a white background under bright light? Post a picture of this second test?