False positive? Ridiculous ammonia readings!

Appreciate that, bettsfishmommy. I know I'm using the test kit properly, because I tested my betta's tank and got accurate readings. And I don't normally use anything but a water dechloinator (which is nor Prime exclusively), but this was a special case for me. The whole ordeal was a mystery from the beginning; I still can't figure out why this happened. But, everything is pretty much back to normal, so I'm not going to stress it anymore. I will continue using Prime, only Prime, and keep up with water changes and tank maintenance as normal. Hopefully, this won't happen again! Now to decide on my centerpiece fish, and whether red cherry shrimp are an option for this tank!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Just an FYI- the Ph.D. who basically created Tetra Safe Start and his own Dr. Tim's One and Only Nitrifying bacteria products does says the following about dosing ammonia binders during fishless cycling:

Do not add ammonia removers to bind the ammonia - overdosing with these products will just increase the cycling time.
Click to expand...
(red is added by me)

The point I believe is to not try to affect the ammonia levels. The problem is that Prime, among with other similar products. while primarily a dechlorinator is also other things, including and ammonia binder. So if one is using it dechlor do not overdose it during fishless cycling. I do not see how telling folks not to bind ammonia during fishless cycling covers them on anything? The normal advice that goes along with this is during fishless cycling is never let either ammonia or nitrites get above 5ppm. If they do, use water changes to reduce them, do not use ammonia/nitrite detoxifiers/binders. In the case of the OP, he has fish in the tank who's health takes precedence over getting the cycle back to strength the fastest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom