Mr. Fish has an early case of dropsy.
Using only a bit of epsom salt and kanaplex as directed.
Have had tank cycled with ZERO issues for a year.
(ie ammonia always has been 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 20 - 40 (only around 40 a few times), PH always 8.2 (high I know but stable) with same values as recent as 3 days ago. Nitrates were a bit higher (30).
I just did first dose of Kanaplex yesterday.
I tested the water tonight (as I have been every few days lately due to his initial inactivity) and for the first time ever Ammonia is reading 0.25-0.35 ish.
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 20.
PH 8.2
All parameters are the same except Ammonia.
I changed 25% of water a couple of hours prior to yesterday's Kanaplex dose.
Same filter media in place as has been (sponges - several). No carbon. No UV.
Temp at 70-72.
I found a forum online with a fella that had an immediate 1.0 ammonia reading after kanaplex and he emailed seachem. (using API master as well)
He copied their reply several days later stating that lab folks confirmed kanaplex CAN give a false reading for ammonia.
I'm wondering if it simply killed off my good bacteria or do I trust this may be a false reading.
So - next dose due tomorrow after a 25% water change, and I'm wondering this:
1. Do I risk another dose or stop?
2. Can I add some 'safe start' BB or will the meds simply go to work on that vs the issue at hand??
3. And would safe start help fast enough IF ammonia spikes again or higher?
4. Is it possible or has anyone experienced kanaplex giving a false reading?
5. Is there any thoughts or ways to confirm false reading vs an actual cycle crash?
Also, I am in Canada so access to most of what I'd like to have on hand is slow or impossible. API has an ammo-lock but haven't read reviews or details to know much about how helpful that will be. Plus I dislike adding much more.
For water treatment, I use API Stress Coat +, but thankfully our well water shows 0 for anything concerning. I compare my tap water to my tank often and not a lot of difference shows.
Appreciate any ideas or thoughts. I'm on NO sleep (fish watch) so could be missing something super obvious.