Is My Dad Right?

[Tropicalfishking]

Well it's been sitting for 5 mins. The color didn't change. It still reads 0 ppm Nitrate.

 

[sostoudt]

its probably the plants

 

[tcarswell]

Yes it's an API. I just went down to test it again, I didn't let it sit for 5mins, but now I am.

4 mins to go!!

right on bro. Sounds like a healthy tank. Are you using RO water or something 0 nitrates is pretty nuts.

 

[Tropicalfishking]

What is RO water?? I'm just using the water out of my downstairs sink.

I wonder how long I could go with out a water change to see if I get any nitrates at all?

 

[oswego]

I just tested my water and it read 0 ppm Nitrates. Does this mean that my filter isn't cycled yet? I had to get a new one, one week ago because my old one broke. I also just found one dead Neon Tetra.

If that was your only filter and you did not put the old filter media in the new filter then you really need to test your ammonia and nitrates also.
And Quick

 

[Tropicalfishking]

The filer has been running for 11 days. I will Hopefully be getting the kit's today or the next day.

 

[tcarswell]

RO = Reverse osmosis water.

 

[Tropicalfishking]

Ok, thanks.

 

[Tropicalfishking]

This is what the tank looks like now.

Please don't comment on the algea on the back of the tank. I kinda like the way it looks...

 

[Tropicalfishking]

I just tested my water, and the 75gal with all the plants still reads 0ppm Nitrate. But the 55gal, with no Plants reads 10ppm Nitrates. Is 10ppm high? Low? Just right? It doesn't say on the box.

Also, this isn't related to this thread but, my angel fish are cleaning an area in the 55gal. Bad thing is it's the intake tube. I wonder if it's because I didn't do a water change this last weekend...