High ammonia/ammonium, Really low PH

[Jeff S]

I have two 45 gallon aquariums with seed starter beds of Hydroton. Everything looks fine but my Ammonia readings are high 4.0 and 5.0 while PH is low 5.2 and 5.0 respectively. Nitrites are 0 and nitrates are 100 in both tanks. Am I correct to assume since the PH is low that the Ammonia readings are actually Ammonium and those numbers will go down as I raise PH? I know a 30% water change would bring them closer in line but can I just raise the PH without the water change. I've had similar readings in the past and frantically did water changes but I've never lost any fish or seen any adverse reactions by the fish.

[Alex Veidel]

I would do a water change and slowly bring your pH up as well.