Do you guys trust the expiration date on the API test? I've had mine for two years and the expiration date is in 2017. I don't check my parameters very often as I keep up with my water changes. Just for the heck of it I tested it today and I'm showing 0 Nitrates. Even though it's a tank that's been established for years I had to check Ammonia and Nitrite to be sure and they were 0 as well. I've been doing two 60-70% WC's a week but I'm also power feeding, so something doesn't seem right. Last WC I did was on Monday. I've had 4 feedings since then. The bio-load isn't overly large since most of my fish are 7" and under (125g) but I would have thought some Nitrates would show up. I introduced live plants a couple of weeks ago but I have not seen any growth so I don't think that it's.
API Nitrate Test Question
- Thread starter Mudfrog
- Start date
Make sure you are following the directions correctly. For about a yr I thought I had 0 Nitrate and found out I was testing incorrectly. An established tank should always have some Nitrates
http://www.apifishcare.com/pdf/Nitrate_Test_Kit_LR1800_Insert.pdf
http://www.apifishcare.com/pdf/Nitrate_Test_Kit_LR1800_Insert.pdf
Its not the tube its the bottle of test solution 2. It crystallizes at the bottom of the bottle so you need to shake the ever loving crap out if it.
Even better slam it on the countertop a few times to break it loose.
When you are counting the drops the drops should look cloudy or grainy or you need to shake more
Or yes you will get false nitrate readings
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"And if I can't have everything, well then just give me a taste"
Even better slam it on the countertop a few times to break it loose.
When you are counting the drops the drops should look cloudy or grainy or you need to shake more
Or yes you will get false nitrate readings
signature
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"And if I can't have everything, well then just give me a taste"
Maybe try another test kit.
I too find it hard to believe in 0 nitrate in a fishkeeping system 3 days after WC.
Strap bottle 2 to a paint can at walmart and turn on the shaker
Lol
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"And if I can't have everything, well then just give me a taste"
I too find it hard to believe in 0 nitrate in a fishkeeping system 3 days after WC.
Strap bottle 2 to a paint can at walmart and turn on the shaker
Lol
signature
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"And if I can't have everything, well then just give me a taste"
Well that was the issue. I shook it hard for a minute the first time, but it wasn't long enough. I shook it for three minutes this time, then gave it to my kids to shake. I'm showing around 20 Nitrates now. I'm going to make a note on the card to shake for 5 minutes....