CAN I ADD FISH?

[RD.]

That could be it Steve, Prime definitely gives a false reading when using the vast majority of NH3 liquid test kits and strips. Seachem sells their own NH3 test kit, that reads both free and total ammonia. They also sell a single alert sensor which are a pretty cheap tool that one can also use to monitor free ammonia. https://www.seachem.com/ammonia-alert.php

 

[Rocksor]

Mine never seems to do so though, which always confused me a bit. I have heard that Prime can also give a false reading on tests, have you ever heard that / found that to be true? Because I just wonder if mine reads.25 out of the tap then the prime maybe gives the false reading of .25 after it actually converts?

Depends on when you put Prime in the tank and tested the tank water. If you test 24 hours later, after adding Prime, you should get a reading for the total ammonia in the tank. The API ammonia test does not differentiate between ammonia, ammonium (non-toxic ammonia), or even ammonia bound in chloramine. If you are really worried about toxic ammonia, Seachem makes a in tank reader called Ammonia Alert that provides a reading for only free ammonia.

 

[jaws7777]

Yup lots of options for an ammonia source ive only had fish spawn twice both were unintentional. Once was from a group of danios during a fish in cycle using tss. Another time the ammonia source was a clown loach (long sotry) ive never had ammonia readings for more than a few days and not a single time registered nitrite. Op will more than likely be adding new fish from an lfs essentially making this a qt tank regardless its a new set up so no existing fish put at risk.

 

[RD.]

NH3 (free ammonia) is toxic, to all fish, even those known to he less stressed than others. Even small amounts of NH3, and even for short durations. The higher the pH of the tap water, as well as the higher the water temp, the more toxic it becomes. A good article on that subject can be found on the Krib.
https://www.thekrib.com/Chemistry/ammonia-toxicity.html

As far as fish from the LFS, that was just some friendly advice. Personally I would get the tank cycled somewhat, for certain, then start thinking about adding fish. And add bacteria in a bottle while fish are being slowly added. The first time around this didn't end well for the fish.

 

[jaws7777]

Op good luck with which ever route you choose. Lots of great advice given on both your threads

 

[jaws7777]

KelberiFishLover19 if you decide to dose ammonia these are the levels i was referencing earlier.

"it is best to get the ammonia levels down to below 4.0. 4.0 and higher is just as toxic to TSS as it is to fish. While 2.0 -3.5 ppm ammonia may harm some of the TSS bacteria, it should still have some effect"

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/q-a-with-tetra-about-tetra-safestart.58116/

Ive never had it take more than 5 to 7 days to get a nitrate reading and 0 ammonia/nitrite. I also wouldnt fully stock the tank. Good luck