Ammonia Issues - Please Help

[WoopAhhh]

My 20-gallon tank is relatively new, and so I've been dealing with high ammonia issues. I got my water tested and bought the recommended ammonia-remover and have been doing partial water changes. I also bought test strips.

I put the necessary amount of the ammonia liquid in the tank about a week ago, and the fish seemed to be doing well. Yet when I use the test strips, it still reads "harmful level". I read the bottle of ammonia-remover and it said that the liquid will do its job, but it will obscure test-strip readings by still reading what it was previously. Basically, it still reads what it was before I used the liquid, yet the liquid is supposedly working.

And now I'm kind of stuck not knowing how safe or unsafe my water really is. Or am I? I'm just a bit confused. I'm thinking that I wasted my money on the strips.
Any advice?

 

[allaboutfish]

that product changes ammonia to a not harmful chemical, but stilll comes up as ammonia so it doesnt harm the fish but you remove this with pwc's

 

[Joyler]

My 20-gallon tank is relatively new, and so I've been dealing with high ammonia issues. I got my water tested and bought the recommended ammonia-remover and have been doing partial water changes. I also bought test strips.

I put the necessary amount of the ammonia liquid in the tank about a week ago, and the fish seemed to be doing well. Yet when I use the test strips, it still reads "harmful level". I read the bottle of ammonia-remover and it said that the liquid will do its job, but it will obscure test-strip readings by still reading what it was previously. Basically, it still reads what it was before I used the liquid, yet the liquid is supposedly working.

And now I'm kind of stuck not knowing how safe or unsafe my water really is. Or am I? I'm just a bit confused. I'm thinking that I wasted my money on the strips.
Any advice?

Take a look at your other post...I replied there! Test strips are very inaccurate! members here usually advise using the API master test kit for freshwater. I think most people would agree that you also shouldn't go straight to chemicals to fix a problem...IMO that's kind of a last ditch effort...check out "fishless cycling" or since you already have fish (I believe) check out the "fish in cycling" I don't quite remember where it is...so do a search hope this helps

 

[Mr. Limpet]

My 20-gallon tank is relatively new, and so I've been dealing with high ammonia issues. I got my water tested and bought the recommended ammonia-remover and have been doing partial water changes. I also bought test strips.

I put the necessary amount of the ammonia liquid in the tank about a week ago, and the fish seemed to be doing well. Yet when I use the test strips, it still reads "harmful level". I read the bottle of ammonia-remover and it said that the liquid will do its job, but it will obscure test-strip readings by still reading what it was previously. Basically, it still reads what it was before I used the liquid, yet the liquid is supposedly working.

And now I'm kind of stuck not knowing how safe or unsafe my water really is. Or am I? I'm just a bit confused. I'm thinking that I wasted my money on the strips.
Any advice?

IMO you should do a 50%+ PWC right away. The ammolock is binding the ammo and converting it to a non-toxic form, but it's not getting rid of it. Sounds like your tank isn't cycled, so read the stickie on "cycling with fish" and do daily 50% PWC till it does cycle is what I would do.

Hate to say it but the test strips are pretty worthless, I'd suggest getting a liquid test kit (ie API FW Master test kit) run all tests and post results here so we can offer further advice.

EDIT: It would help if you post info on your tank (size, filtration, fish, etc) as that will help in what suggestions you might get.

 

[Joyler]

Fantastic!! Mr. Limpet is a goldfish guru! He should be able to give you great advice /)