Checking Koi pond ammonia levels

[rnwilliams]

I have a 2500 gallon aquascape eco system koi pond. After a visit by a heron and health problems I haven't had fish for a couple of years. Over the past couple of months I have given the pond a good cleaning and have now re-introduced fish. The thing I don't understand is when I test my water for ammonia with the API test kit it appears to show .25 on the chart. I admit I don't see colors well, but my wife sees the same reading. I test my water coming out of the house faucet, which is county water, I get the same reading .25. I also checked a bottle of distilled water and get the same reading, .25. I had this same problem several years ago before I lost my fish. Can someone please advise me on what is going one and if this is a problem.
I do get 0 on nitrite levels too.

 

[mrsclem]

Are you using test strips or liquid test? Check the expiration date on the kit.

 

[j.w]

@rnwilliams
Liquid test have better results.

 

[rnwilliams]

Are you using test strips or liquid test? Check the expiration date on the kit.

Liquid, The kit is a few years old. Maybe time for a new one?

 

[mrsclem]

I would guess so. Usually good for a couple of years but with results you are getting I would replace it.

 

[GBBUDD]

I have a 2500 gallon aquascape eco system koi pond. After a visit by a heron and health problems I haven't had fish for a couple of years. Over the past couple of months I have given the pond a good cleaning and have now re-introduced fish. The thing I don't understand is when I test my water for ammonia with the API test kit it appears to show .25 on the chart. I admit I don't see colors well, but my wife sees the same reading. I test my water coming out of the house faucet, which is county water, I get the same reading .25. I also checked a bottle of distilled water and get the same reading, .25. I had this same problem several years ago before I lost my fish. Can someone please advise me on what is going one and if this is a problem.
I do get 0 on nitrite levels too.

Too late now but you probably had the absolute best start to fish kerping and ypu washed it away. I understand thevpond probably suffered and i did not see how bad it was. But for those reading this post years from now. Whats unsightly to us is very different to wild life and they often might call it paradise. The bacteria and micro organisums that can grow are what we strive for in garden ponds we set a stage for these creatures to habitat and in return they absorb and convert harmful gases un the pond. Which would be one reason you have ammonias now too many of these were removed. Not again this is only speculation you may have had a bag senario and cleaning was the only way.

But to help you get things under control now. Do a 25 percent water change . Test before and test after see where you end up.
How many fish do you have and how much and often do you feed, lastly what do you have for a filter