Originally Posted by
jwcarlson
Are you using the Aquarium Co-Op ammonia strips to test, ravvlet? If so, I don't think I've ever shown less than whatever the lowest color on the chart it. It's to the point where I just assume that it's either just a "my water" thing or it's so sensitive that it's picking up a trace amount? I've experienced the same with nitrite on their multi test strips. Levels that should be killing my fish (like alarmingly dark immediately upon dipping) and the fish are just as happy as can be. When my tanks are well cycled, they don't have any color at all on the pad. Again, because I see absolutely no ill effects, I assume that it's not an actual problem. I still change water accordingly, but I'm not panicking about it necessarily.
Unfortunately, the corys aren't going to eat any algae. I have a couple bristlenose with my discus and I've never had any issues with them.