Well like I said, I was on the other end of the phone whilst they were "testing". So without actually being there in person I can only take his word that the test was done correctly by his assistant, which, as mentioned, doesn't really mean a lot to me after my past catfish fiasco with him.
However, his lack of knowledge in certain areas aside, I think they run a pretty tight ship over there. The place is clean and tidy and shop staff are reasonably knowledgeable and helpful. So that off the scale nitrate reading was a shock to say the least.
I know my nitrate readings on my two tanks, and on my tap water. And when I double checked my test kit yesterday, low and behold I got the three readings I was expecting, so my test kit and test methods aren't in question.
So, giving them the benefit of the doubt, and that yes, they got 5ppm, and also that my off the scale reading was also correct, then that implies that something happened in the bags in the 20 mins it took to get home!
That puzzle is the whole reason for my post, to see if nitrate can rise that fast in such a short period of time. Ammonia rising within the bag I could understand, but not nitrate.
I was hoping someone who understands the chemistry of it all could shed some light on the matter.
In all my time of buying fish and testing store water I have never come across this before. I'm sorely tempted to take my test kit with me and go back to the store! But that would probably make me look a complete arse, lol.
