Major Ammonia Spike

[Bobocat]

Im cycling both a main tank and a quarantine tank. The quarantine tank was set up a couple of days ago. Ph is 7, ammonia tested 0, nitrites tested 0.
I added Bio-spira (live bacteria thats supposed to break down ammonia) to aid in the cycling to both my main and quarantine tank. My quarantine tank is a 15 gal tank and I added two 1 inch platys (tiny little fish). Now, i tested the water and the ammonia level is off the chart. I did a 15% water change and it made no difference. My main tank is still at 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites. My quarantine tank is the one testing for high ammonia. Could this be a false positive? I dont think two 1 inch plays could spike up the ammonia level from 0 to off the chart in matter of hours. Any suggestions? Im thinking the bio-spira is working rapidly hence causing some sort of false positive but I dont know... The only other chems I used a few days before adding Bio-Spira was Amquel and Novaqua to condition the water. Please help


Btw, the fish look like they're doing fine.

Thanks!

 

[reg2k2]

Amquel most likely the culprit...it will give u false readings, unless u get a diff. kind of test. Info

 

[Bobocat]

reg2k2, I think you're right! I took a sample from my larger tank (which probably has amquel far more diluted) and it was showing 0, I put a couple of drops of amquel into the test tube and BANG, False Positive! Thank you so much, you're a genius! Apparently, Amquel is incompatible with Nessler type ammonia test kits which is what I have. I'll buy another test kit to make sure its ok. Amquel shouldnt be toxic to fish I assume if I have a bit too much in my tank, you think i should do a water change? the fish look fine to me.

 

[reg2k2]

According to that page, fish sh. be safe, even in cases of overdose.

 

[Bobocat]

Silly me, I just read that and answered my own question Thanks again!

 

[Gunnie]

I have read that if your testing kit is for freshwater only and you use an ammonia neutralizing product, that you will get a false positive reading. That also happened to me the first time I used bio spira. It was suggested to me to buy a kit which can test both fresh and saltwater, and you will not get the false positive. You may find more info on this situation here. I have yet to find such a kit though. Can anyone point me in that direction?