The API test that I use for NHx actually tests for Ammonia + Ammonium. I've read that Ammonia is what is toxic to fish and Ammonium is not. Is there a test available to test ONLY for Ammonia?
Testing for Ammonia vs. Ammonium
- Thread starter sanfran94107
- Start date
usually all test kits test for ammonia, not ammonium, that is quite new to me. I would look into Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master test kit, the one you may be using is out of date or is generally not used.
sitting here with my api master kit the box says ammonia NH3/NH4+. in the book it just says NH3 though.
i also looked at a old ammonia test kit that was from 2002 and the instructions are the same as the new one.
NH4+ = ammonium
Yeah, I have the API Master test kit purchased brand new a few weeks ago. The date on the box is 2006 so I am fairly certain this is not an outdated test 
The NHx card clearly reads NH3/NH4.
The NHx card clearly reads NH3/NH4.
Yeah, I have the API Master test kit purchased brand new a few weeks ago. The date on the box is 2006 so I am fairly certain this is not an outdated test
The NHx card clearly reads NH3/NH4.
I believe I read somewhere that the test kits can't distinguish between NH3/NH4, but if your pH is at 8.0 or higher you've got NH4 (ammonium). I just can't remember where I read it.
actually ,I believe there are kits that can test ammonia and ammonium..the api kit tests for both which is why you can get a false positive ammonia test result when breaking the chlorine ammonia bond in chloramine. the API kit is reading the ammonium
If that is the case, then it is possible that my NHx reading of 1.0 (with the API test) is not really harming the fish! I have mentioned before that, while I am no fish behavior expert, the fish in my tank seem really happy and are eager feeders when it comes time for feeding despite the NHx level at 1.0 ...
Actually, it is the reverse:
The higher the pH, the higher the concentration/percentage/toxicity of Ammonia.
http://www.thekrib.com/Chemistry/ammonia-toxicity.html
I wonder if that directly correlates to being able to lower the percentage of Ammonia by lowering the pH.
I'm not sure what you are getting at..ammonium NH4 is less harmful to the fish so you can get a false positive when treating tap water with a de-chlorinator that affect chloramine by breaking the chlorine ammonia bond
nd binds a hydrogen to NH3 to make it NH4.
if you are reading NH3 at 1.0ppm there is a a good chance the fish will have serious damage to their gills.
all I mentioned was that the API test will test NH3/NH4 so you may not know what it is actually showing.