Messed up with Ammo-lock

[TLT]

I added some Eco-Complete to my tanks and during the mixing, I released a lot of ammonia from the substrate (reading went from 0 to 0.5-1 ppm). So in a panic, I did a water change and added too much Ammo-lock. I thought that it still made the ammonia to the bacteria, but I was mistaken.

Now I'm stilling getting readings of ammonia even when I've discontinued using it. It's been a few days now, have I starved my ammonia-converting bacteria? I've also noticed that the API solution instantly precipitates instead of showing a clear yellow colour. For interest, can someone explain the chemistry behind ammo-lock and the API ammonia kit? How do I know if Ammo-lock is still around?

Thanks!

 

[DavidZ]

If you used Ammo-lock, you will not be able to get a correct reading untill the chem is out.

 

[jpappy789]

I may be wrong but I think Ammo-Lock converts ammonia to ammonium...which is unusable for the bacteria. I also believe that API tests pick up ammonium.

 

[Cory Keeper]

From what I've heard NH4 (ammonium) is converted by the bacteria, otherwise I would have at least 1 PPM of ammonia (ammonium to be exact) in my tank. Since the API test kits pick up BOTH NH3 and NH4, and I have zero ammonia in all my tanks, the bacteria can use NH4.

 

[V1xIII]

API Ammonia tests will detect ammo-lock as ammonia, do water changes.