Total or free ammonia?

[lilpico]

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]

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.

 

[lilpico]

So I should be testing for free ammonia?

 

[bang guy]

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]

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]

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...

 

[lilpico]

Yes I understand this. I just wasn't sure about this one. Thanks