just finished reading all your post (but very quickly, will read again later)
mr. miles does have good explanations,
while this problem was occurring the 1st time (last wed) i didnt test the ammonia level, but i did test the D.O. (11.2, i work at a wastewater treatment plant, so our equipment is very reliable)
the 2nd time it happened i did test the ammonia level, and i was suprised that it averaged .159, i really never suspected this high of a reading (the over the counter dip test strips shows far less ammonia) the D.O. was 8.36
at any rate........a diff product.