Ammonia

[cosguy20]

I have been testing and testing my ammonia levels and all that stuff. Every thing seems fine accept for the ammonia. It says it's like at 5, but I have changed and changed my water and it's still up there. My fish seem fine, but my ammonia says it's high. What's wrong??? Do you think that the test is messed up?:help: :happyfish

 

[cprdnick]

You did cycle the tank right? How did you cycle it? What kind and how many fish do you have? Have you tested Nitrites?
What is your pH, and SG at? When did you start this tank?
EDIT: Also, stop doing water changes if it's not helping. To me it sounds like you have had a pretty good ammonia spike, and this will start a cycle on you, this is inevitable. Doing water changes will just make it last longer.

 

[cosguy20]

I bought the testing kit that has the ammonia, nitrate, ph, and carbon dioxide. It says on the front FOR FRESH WATER AND MARINE AQUARIUMS.i's more like at 3.0 mg/l I have two Damsels and a crab, don't know the kind (but it's cool!!!!!!!! )
nitrates are at 3.0 mg/l
ammonia 3.0
ph 8.6
Used tap I know it's bad, but I got a budget a low budget. (til my tax refund comes :happy: )
EDIT: I'm new to this and I am under the assumption that RO filters are like an expensive thing I don't understand what a RO is or a DI (I think that's what you guys have been calling it) I'm going to feel very stupid if it a brita filte. END EDIT
What's SG.
Started about a week ago, with bacteria additive.
Whats ammonia detox?

 

[cprdnick]

Brita Filters are distillation filters if I'm not mistaken. RO is reverse osmosis filtration, and DI is distilled filtration. RO is good, DI is alright, but RO/DI is GREAT. You can buy RO/DI from your LFS, or a water supply store. Whatever you buy, make sure it is RO/DI filtered, if it doesn't say so, ask someone.
Buy a different test kit. Testing parameters for saltwater and freshwater is completely different. In no way should you trust a cheap product, especially one that says it will work for either type of aquarium system.
You need a test kit that tests for:
pH
Ammonia
Nitrites
Nitrates
Testing for Carbon Dioxide is not something that is necessary in this hobby unless you get into Calcium and Alk issues.
Your pH is higher than desireable. You want between 8.0-8.3.
SG stands for Specific Gravity (Salinity) which is measured with a hydrometer or refractometer. Refractometers are one of the best test tools you can buy, they are very accurate and start at reasonable prices.
Ammonia Detox is a product that de-toxifies ammonia in aquarium water. It is good for emergencies, but using it during your cycle will only cause more grief.