amonia level

[ayrton]

I have had my 70 gallon sw tank set up for about a year. Everything has been fine but lately I have noticed a small level of ammonia in the tank. about 1.0mg/l. My PH is 8.0 and I have 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates.

Up until recently I always had 0 ammonia. Can anyone help. I have not added any new fish within the last 6 months only two cleaner shrimp.

Thanks very much. The people in this site are excellent and the help is very much appreciated.

 

[xxmoorishmanxx]

anything die recently, have u changed feeding amounts, or type of food, new filter filter change, new rock? anything

 

[electrikat]

How old is the test kit? They do expire from age or heat. My master test kit had to be replaced because the ph and amm went bad. I tested 3 different tanks and had the same problems so I bought a new test kit and everything was ok.

 

[ayrton]

No I have had no die off and I am very careful with the feeding. I have been doing regular water changes. The only difference I can think of is I have been using tap water lately. I normally have plenty of water from my dehumidifier but since it is winter I don't get much. I am using Prime by Seachem to remove the chlorine.

 

[xxmoorishmanxx]

have u tested the straight tap water for ammonia?

 

[ayrton]

yes it is 0

 

[ayrton]

The ammonia test kit is about 2 years old. When I test my fresh water tank it shows no ammonia with the same kit.

 

[xxmoorishmanxx]

i would say thats to old

maybe get it double checked at a lfs

 

[electrikat]

yes mine went over after about 8 months. Do you use the same test kit for fw and sw? Is it rated for both with the same color chart?

 

[ayrton]

I just checked my ammonia test kit and it is for fresh water only. All my other kits are for both except the ammonia. I think you have solved my problem. I will go out and buy a new kit for salt water and let you know. Thanks very much for your help.