jim692
Aquarium Advice Freak
I thought I wanted some level of ammonia (albeit low so its not stressing the fish) so the bacteria would have 'food'?? .
You will always have a very low (trace amount) level of ammonia in the tank from the waste products of the fish. In a healthy aquarium environment this level is so low it will not show up on a test kit. Any reading of ammonia on a test kit in an aquarium requires immediate action to safeguard your fish.
As long as fish are in the tank there is food (watse products) for the bacteria to live and thrive.