Would You Use This Water? Ammonia Content

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Weir_Head, Feb 23, 2012.

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  1. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    So even though I'm a year in, I still buy my water pre-mixed from a few local LFS.

    Today I bought 20G, came home and tested it, and it looks like it has quite a bit of ammonia already in it...

    I use the API test kit, and it looks like this
    [​IMG]

    I actually bought 5G yesterday, and it looked the same, so I threw it out. Went to a different store today, and that's what it is there as well.

    Does it not matter? Seems to somewhat defeat the purpose of a WC if the water you're getting isn't 100% good, right?

    Can you return water? ::)
     
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  3. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    even though your tank would prob break it down, I sure wouldn't use it, and yes I'd take it back! IMO
     
  4. Kevin3884

    Kevin3884 Tassled File Fish

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    I would def try to return it...and let them know they have ammonia in their water...how old is ur test?....Time to get ur own RODI unit :)
     
  5. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    I don't want to use it either, but it's like I feel weird going back with water you know?
    Because I'm sure they'd tell you "No, our water doesn't have ammonia in it..."

    And I'd have to be like, "Well, test it"
     
  6. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    Well, to be fair, the test kit was bought in late 2010, it has a 10 on the mark on front.
    But, when I test my tank, it shows up as having nearly 0 or 0.

    I've tested their water before, and it's been 0 using the same kit.
    Maybe a bad batch at the store?
     
  7. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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    Did they just get a shipment of stuff in?

    Depending on a particular order, there could be a high number of fish being introduced to their system all at once.

    How many of y'all have actually tested your bags for ammonia? It's not that uncommon.

    It would still be nice to tell them, just in case. I've called up to tell them their SG is 1.030+
     
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  9. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Almost all freshly mixed saltwater has ammonia content to it after it is first mixed, for some people the ammonia dissipates after a few hours of mixing. For me with reef crystals, my water remains at the same level yours is at until it has been added to the tank and is processed by bacteria. If you have a established tank I would not worry about it. Every batch I make looks like that.
     
  10. Kevin3884

    Kevin3884 Tassled File Fish

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    But i think this is water change water...so there shouldnt be any fish to make ammonia in the water...correct?
     
  11. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Also if you do not believe me there is information here on 3reef and reef central about ammonia content in newly mixed saltwater, one of reef centrals users that I believe is a chemical engineer explains why.
     
  12. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    hmmm, ya learn something everyday!