Coleallensmom
Planted Tank Enthusiast
I know there are known issues with the API nitrAte test if instructions aren't followed correctly, but has anyone ever had issues with their ammonia test? I have the API freshwater master kit and never once had issue telling the difference between ammonia test results. 0ppm was always a clear bright yellow; if there was ammonia present in a tank it was easily seen in the test results. I just recently replaced my ammonia test bottles (the originals were empty) and ever since I started using the new bottles, I haven't been able to get clear readings. Everything looks like .25ppm+ ammonia to me. No matter what I test I can't get a clear 0ppm yellow test result. Several times I tested all four of my tanks plus my tap with the same results. Three of the tanks are well established and should not have ammonia in them. In the time that I had the original kit, I tested my tap water several times and always got 0ppm for that as well. Lot number indicates the new ammonia bottles were manufactered in 2010, so I would think they should still be in good working order. Test tubes are clean and I haven't been having issues with any of my other tests i.e. nitrIte (0ppm in all tanks) and NitrAte working properly. Thoughts?
Picture below of my tap and one of my tanks. Same dark yellow, almost green color on both.
Picture below of my tap and one of my tanks. Same dark yellow, almost green color on both.