Ok guys, I have my fish sitting upstairs in a bucker, with NO filter waiting to go into the new tank, that is why I need an answer quick

I switched dechlorinators.

I am using Aqua Safe.

My test kit for ammonia is a Hagen Nutrafin modified Nessler method.

My new tank is all set up and ready to go, I seeded it from my other tank.

But the ammonia in it says 1.2!!!!!!

What the?!!!

I am guessing it is a false positive, because I tested the tanks that I seeded it from and they are 0.

Now my question, if it is a false positive, does that really mean that their is no ammonia, or does it mean that it added ammonia some how.

Is it safe to start acclimating my fish?

I need to know quickly if you can. I tried doing a search but it didn't answer specifically that I could find.

Thanks a million


Jessica

Ps, I tested after I finished filling the tank, so I would not think that was time for "real" ammonia to show up in the water.

Yikes I don't know what to do!



Jessica

My guess is that you are getting a false positive. The only way you could have ammonia is;
1) It is in your tap water.
2) By seeding the tank you released enough organics into the tank too give you a reading.
Option number 2 is highly unlikely.
I would start acclimating if you can rule out number 1.

Thanks Jetman!!

They are now in the tank.

When I didn't here from anyone, I sat down and had a beer to calm myself and started thinking.

I tested the tap water. 0 ammonia. I tested the water that I had seeded the tank with (also used an established filter) 0 on that water as well.

So I guess it's a falsie. I imagine I could verify it by testing the water with the Aqua Safe in it, but I didn't bother, since both of the others were 0.

I acclimated the fish adding about a cup every 10-15 minutes until the pail was full and then added the fish.

They are swimming around and exploring and seem to be quite happy.

Thanks a million

Jessica

No problem.
Just remember you are going too cycle again.
Temps around 78, some salt for the nitrites(.1-.15%), and a kh and ph too support it all will make it very easy.