live ammonia meters

ImRandy85 · 04-20-2008, 04:09 AM

Has anyone ever used the API ammonia live meter or the Seachem ammonia alert? I want to start a nano tank and thought either of these would be a good way to keep track of the ammonia while I'm cycling the tank. Are these very accurate? Would you use them?

**Phurst** · 04-20-2008, 01:14 PM

I had seen these for FW tanks, but didn't know they were available for marine. I guess at worst they would give you a rough idea, but I don"t know about how accurate they are.

ImRandy85 · 04-21-2008, 12:08 AM

Actually I was wrong on the first one, its FW only and apparently mardel not API. The seachem ammonia alert is supposed to work for fresh and saltwater although it does only measure free ammonia.

**CarmieJo** · 04-21-2008, 12:30 AM

I don't know how accurate they are. With ammonia he only number that matters is ZERO. You will have ammonia when cycling and the amount is not important.

**Seahorsedreams** · 04-21-2008, 01:58 AM

I used them in my fry raising tanks. I found them to be very useful in that regard. Things could turn quick in this type of environment so at least I could get a little quick peek before going to bed.

ImRandy85 · 04-21-2008, 02:36 AM

What I was thinking was that I could at least use it to show me when the ammonia goes way up and then when it goes down and turns into nitrites during the beginning of the cycle. When I see that I could start testing for nitrites/nitrates. Like you said Carmie, don't really need to know the amount, just whether its there or not.

ITeach2Wheels · 04-21-2008, 10:07 AM

If you do get one bring it to my house!! I just added live rock to my new tank and I am MUCH to cheap to buy one! ;D
Seriously, I did buy a live ph meter for my BC8. I got some wicked swings in the beginning and lost livestock before I figured it out. The kits just weren't accurate enough for such a small volume of water.

It would be interesting to see if the ammonia has a daily cycle like ph.

I guess I just don't see the need, my budget is a little tight and I would rather spend avaliable funds on the tank after I add livestock.

Just my 2 cents. GO CUBS!!

ImRandy85 · 04-21-2008, 03:39 PM

2Wheels, I think you may be thinking of the digital pinpoint meters. What I'm referring to can be bought for around $5, here's a linky Seachem Ammonia Alert Test at Big Al's Online

ITeach2Wheels · 04-21-2008, 04:50 PM

That's COOL!! I've never seen one, that would definitely be handy while my tank is cycling also. I might just have to go find one at my LFS.

ImRandy85 · 04-21-2008, 09:55 PM

Yeah it seems like they'd be good for cycling a tank. Just make sure you get the seachem and not the mardel cause like I said earlier the mardel is FW only. If you do get one let us all know how well it works cause I'm pretty interested if they'd be worth it or not.