why does NH3 go up when I do water changes?

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    Free ammonia NH3 can go up when you do water changes if the new water has has a higher pH.
     
    NH3 and NH4 always form equilibrium with pH and temperature. When we do a water change (especially if you are a lazy fish keeper), the new water will often be harder and have a higher pH than the water you are removing. This is because organic acids from waste and biological activity will remove the waters hardness and lower the pH. The move to a higher pH will unlock NH4 into NH3 and the transition can happen in fractions of a second.
     
    A seneye device will report this change in pH, temperature and free ammonia.

    TIP: Use your seneye to check the out water you are using for a water change. It will help you understand how much difference there is. 

     

    To understand more visit this link on NH3/NH4.