0 nitrates 3 weeks after tank cleaning?

[Bulldog93]

I have one Convict in a 50 gallon, and just tested the water with my API Freshwater Master Kit, and it read zero nitrates.

I thought maybe some would have built up after a few weeks?

Is this normal, and do I still need to change the water?

 

[Deaths Sting]

I have one Convict in a 50 gallon, and just tested the water with my API Freshwater Master Kit, and it read zero nitrates.

I thought maybe some would have built up after a few weeks?

Is this normal, and do I still need to change the water?

it is a possibility that ur test kit is inaccurate. are there any plants in the tank? are u using any chemical media?

water changes should still be done since they remove hormones and replenish elements back into the system. plus, its a good way of removing detritus. i.e. siphoning, gravel vac etc etc..

 

[fisher12889]

Have you checked ammonia and nitrites? There the ones that are actually harmfull to fish, and the first to build up during the cycle.

 

[tcarswell]

Is ... it cycled? How long has it been setup ?

 

[Krawnik]

Make sure you shake the ever living bejeezus out of the nitrate test liquids.

If everything else is in order (tank cycled properly, etc), this could help make a difference in the accuracy of your results.