Faulty API tests?

G

guppygal

AC Members
Jun 30, 2006
282
0
0
OK, 14 days into a new cycle with seeded material (old filter and gravel) (I had to break down the tank due to illness) Is it normal to still have:

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

What the heck is going on? Do I still just need more patience? Or new tests? Keep in mind these test are only 4/6 weeks old depending on when I bought new ones.
 
iktomiwicasa said:
Is your tank stocked, or have you added ammonia for a fishless cycle?
Click to expand...

I do have my remaining healthy guppies in both the tanks

I have 3 guppies in the 10 g

and 1 guppy in the 5 gal qt
 
Is there anyway to test these drops? Spray Windex in the tube and see if it gets an ammonia reading - would that work?
 
Anyone with any thoughts?
 
How about buying a bottle of ammonia and using it to test your ammonia test kit? You can usually get a bottle in a supermarket or hardware store...

You should be seeing ammonia by now. I've got a guppy in a 5 g and I saw ammonia THE NEXT DAY after adding him to the tank.
 
Last edited:
Ms.Bubbles said:
How about buying a bottle of ammonia and using it to test your ammonia test kit? You can usually get a bottle in a supermarket or hardware store...

You should be seeing ammonia by now. I've got a guppy in a 5 g and I saw ammonia THE NEXT DAY after adding him to the tank.
Click to expand...


See, this is why I am concerned!! I don't know if I should be doing wcs!! I would think in my 5 gal I would also be seeing the ammonia!! maybe I'll try and do an exchange for new ones at Petsmart or Petco.

But the darn thing is only a month old!
 
Well a 2nd test would confirm, and would be worth the $$$ if only to tell you when you can do water changes.

Guppygal, you really can never do too many water changes! Personally I would err on the side of caution and do them anyway, just in case, but a test kit will tell you for sure. I recommend the Aquarium Pharmaceutical 2-part liquid ammonia test kit. I've found them far more reliable than the Hagen ones...
 
Ms.Bubbles said:
Well a 2nd test would confirm, and would be worth the $$$ if only to tell you when you can do water changes.

Guppygal, you really can never do too many water changes! Personally I would err on the side of caution and do them anyway, just in case, but a test kit will tell you for sure. I recommend the Aquarium Pharmaceutical 2-part liquid ammonia test kit. I've found them far more reliable than the Hagen ones...
Click to expand...


That is the ones I am using!! I just did a wc on my 5 gal. I am going to bring a water sample for the petstore to test AND see if I need to exhange the kit(s).
 
Well, I took the water sample to Petco and they came up with all Zeros expect they said my ph was through the roof and tried to sell me a ph reducer. I said no, when I test at home, I am either a 6.8-7.2 range. I actually bought a new test kit. Did the test at home and yup I am even like 6.6 in one tank and I think around 6.8 in the other. They looked more green than blue.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
ph 6.8
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom