Question on Amguard

[MistressOfAxies]

I've run a test on my axolotl tank the ammonia is creeping to 1.0 but I don't know if this would be a false reading. I currently have a tag on ym tank that alerts for ammonia which is slowly changing colour into the alert section (hasn't fully got there yet). In the meantime I have been using a product by Seachem called Amguard. It's meant to reduce the ammonia levels. I don't know by adding this if my tests are accuarate or there's really no ammonia at all its just spiking. I will go to the pet shop tomorrow to get a tablet test done on the sample so I'm certain. Just wondering if any of you's have used it.

 

[Saspotato]

Usually products like that aren't a good idea. They can lead to inconsistent conditions in the tank - consistency is important. Is your tank cycling? If so, you will just have to wait out the cycling process. Just keep up daily water changes if ammonia is above 0.

If your tank is already established, then it is better to address the underlying causes of your ammonia rather than use products like that as the ammonia will just go up again and the process is repeated.

 

[Kaysie]

In addition to what Sarah said, most of those 'ammonia locking' chemicals change ammonia to ammonium (or the other way around, I don't recall), and do NOT actually remove the ammonia. Therefore, when you're doing ammonia readings, your test will probably detect both ammonia and ammonium. I also don't recommend using any sort of nitrogen cycle altering chemicals. It's best to just let your tank cycle naturally.

 

[ianclick]

The best thing for tank cycling is patience and time. There are many chemical quick fixes available but none surpass time. It may pay to establish a water change routine if you are not doing so already.

Good luck