Hrmph - so I waited a week and re-tested the water again. I'd say the ammonia has gotten worse.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Where last time, the test was middling between 0.5 and 1.0 (I erred on the high side of caution and said 1); today it's looking middling between the 1.0 and 2.0! The other, smaller tank is still fine at 0. So frustrating! Why are they different?
So, do I keep waiting? Should I try some of that ammonia reducer they sell in the store or do a partial water change? The tank is starting to get over run with brown algae spots on the glass, shell and sand. I don't want it to look like Trooper's nasty ecosphere before I even get any shrimps in there - I'm hoping they are able to devour what's in there currently, provided I can get the ammonia under control.
Halp!! Any advice is appreciated.
*PS - in case it's of any interest, I'm using the API Marine, Saltwater Master Test kit (drops)