1 to 2ppm of ammonia in tap water?!

[ashlyjames]

I tested my tank water after a 20% water change and notice .25ppm of ammonia.
I tested the added water not expecting to see any ammonia but there was 1 - 2ppm
of ammonia!
I went further back and tested the water from the tap(untreated water) and noticed that
there was 1-2 ppm of ammonia in the tap water!!
IS this normal?!!

By morning the water in the tank was back to 0 ppm. :dance2: My filter works :clap:

1)Is normal to see ammonia in tap water?
2)Is there a water conditoner that will remove/neutralize ammonia?

I use Hagen aqua plus to dechlorinate my water.
I liked the Teatra Aqua "Aqua safe" but don't like the fact that
they are on store shelves without a company seal.
(I guess they save on seal money :huh: )

Any suggestions for an ammonia neutralizing conditioner?


Thanks in advance.

[tomm10]

Its fairly common to find a small amount of ammonia in tap water. There are some dechlorinators out there that will chemically lock up the ammonia in the tap water for water changes so your fish aren't exposed to ammonia spikes during water changes.

Do a search for ammonia in tap water on the forums. You'll find plenty of people with similar issues and some recommendations for specific products and techniques.

At least you know your tank is well cycled :D

[ashlyjames]

Thanks tomm10 :-)
I did go thru aquacentral and saw good reviews on "prime".
I went out and got 100ml and will try this before going out and getting a 500ml bottle.

also below I found a link on comparison on conditioners.
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/rev-cond.htm

Thanks again!

[RTR]

Ammonia in the tap water indicates chloramines rather than simply chlorine in the tap water. Prime works well to handle this.