Tropical Fish Forums

[Liszie]

I have a 55g tank cycling. Ammonia levels are >5 mg/l, and I went to test pH, just for kicks I suppose, and it gave me a colour that is not on the card?
I have a tetratest laborett, and the colour it gave me is a dark periwinkle, completely different than the purple that is 10.0 but way "purpler" than the blue that is 9.0. Does this mean it's in between or is the test thrown off because of the high ammonia levels?
Liszie
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[fishlover888]

Maybe it is your test kit? You may do a control test with some water which you know the pH. Also, try to take the tank water and tap water to your LFS. Most of them will be glad to do a test for you too.
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125 g discus tank 13 discus, 5 Sterbai cory, 3 clown loaches, 1 Albino BN pH 6.3 50% WC x2/wk
2 g nano tank 3 Danio, pH 7.6 80% WC/ 2 days

[Liszie]

Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that I also tested the water in my 20 gallon, which I know to be 8.0, and it came out normal. Same with my tap water.

Liszie
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[kskipper]

Liszie,
I just saw this post of yours. Yes, ammonia throws off pH tests. I confirmed this with the R&D lab where I work.

kskipper
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29G with 6 Zebra Danios.

[Liszie]

Is it because ammonia itself is quite alkaline or because something about the ammonia makes the test not work?
Liszie
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