Thanks for the reply Smite! Here is a brief description of the rock that I'm using "This new base rock from AquaMaxx is professionally cleaned and dried to ensure no pesky hitchhikers, pests or algae are introduced into your saltwater aquarium. AquaMaxx dry rock is not man-made; it is real calcium carbonate limestone-structured aragonite we quarry in Florida, far away from living coral reefs. It is completely reef-safe and will not leach any undesirable contaminants into your delicate saltwater system." I tested water about two days into set up and then eight days in and both times no ammonia was present.Is there a certain brand of ammonia that you prefer or ammonia is ammonia?