Total or free ammonia?

lilpico

New Member
my test kit does both. I have been testing for total. Is this correct or should I be testing for free ammonia?

Thanks
 

bang guy

Moderator
Free ammonia is the type that is toxic. Sequestered ammonia (total ammonia minus free ammonia) adds to the nutrient level of the system but is not toxic.
 

bang guy

Moderator
I need a little background as to why you are testing.

Test for free ammonia to determine if your water is safe or to track the progress of a tank cycle.

Test total ammonia after a tank crash to determine how well the system is healing.

Total ammonia of a healthy system will be 0.00 with either test.
 

lilpico

New Member
The tank hasn't crashed or anything. I just like to test it to make sure everything is ok. I'm new to saltwater and am overly cautious about everything I guess
 

bang guy

Moderator
That's a good trait :)

Either ammonia test will be fine. They just need to show 0.00 ammonia as a result. This is only one component of a healthy system...
 
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