My first suggestion to you is to test out your test kit to make sure it is
reading correctly. I have seen lots of "bad" test kits that would read
low levels even if non are present. The ammonia staying level for 11 days
does seem a little strange to me

Why is this strange? Every tank is different and there are many variables
than can influence ammonia levels. As long as the ammonia doesn't continue
to climb, he is OK. Because his ammonia level is no longer climbing this is
an indication that his nitrosomonas are beginning to do their job.


, it should be going down. With the other life doing good in the tank, it
makes me think that you really do not have an ammonia problem (not that .25
is a problem.) My real question is what has happened to your nitrite and
Nitrate levels?

I suggested testing nitrates several days ago, but Pzemol dumped on me for
the suggestion. I think he should definitely be monitoring BOTH nitrite and
nitrate and obtaining nitrate by difference.


Has your nitrite level gone up? If so you have the ammonia eating bacteria
and so your ammonia level should have peaked some time after you started
seeing nitrite and then started dropping down. If your nitrate level is
climbing you not only have the ammonia eating bacteria but the nitrite
eating bacteria also, so your cycle should be getting very close to being
done.

A question for you are you adding anything to the tank right now? Some
additives can cause false ammonia readings.

Such as?