This is odd...I've had my 125 setup for about two months now and other than the initial high NitrAtes after the cycle I've never had any detectable NitrAtes. I do weekly 15 - 20% water changes and I only have 1 live Java Fern in there. Am I just way understocked? Or what is going on here? I would assume that after a week of no water changes I'd be able to pick up at least a hint of NitrAtes right? I'm using the API liquid test kit. Stock list and filtration in my signature.
Never any NitrAtes
- Thread starter FalconKeeper
- Start date
You do have a lot of filtration going on in that tank. Could be eating up the nitrates. hmm using the same test kit on a different tank do you get traces of nitrate? If not then I would be buying a new test kit. Interesting though...Wish my tank was like that.
how accurate is your test kits? try a different test kit and see what happen.. i would remove the rest of the filter and keep the fx5 and 405..
StIcKy~RiCe;2307074; said:
Well as soon as they are in stock again I'm adding 3 Archers and another Mono Argentus so I want to see how these filters keep up before I remove any. The test kit seems to be accurate on my other tank. It read 70ppm after I did the fishless cycle and I did a couple 50% water changes after that. Now it reads 0ppm all the time on the big tank. My wifes 55g reads 20ppm I just tested it.
Are you using a freshwater test kit or a saltwater test kit for your brackish water tank?
I have no clue which you are supposed to be using but I know there are different kits, or at least charts, for fresh & salt...
I have no clue which you are supposed to be using but I know there are different kits, or at least charts, for fresh & salt...
nc_nutcase;2307595; said:
It's a API kit that does both fresh and salt. It comes with two different color charts one for fresh one for salt. According to the color charts yellow is 0ppm for both fresh and salt.
Standard filtration will not eliminate nitrates. In an established tank you will see nitrates grow over time. Either your tank is not cycled fully (check ammonia and nitrites), extremely understocked (but you should still see SOME nitrate production), or you have very heavy plant growth.....or a combination of any of those.
The final option is probably the correct one: your test kit is screwy!
Take a sample to the lfs and let them test it.
The final option is probably the correct one: your test kit is screwy!
Take a sample to the lfs and let them test it.
i would say that your test kit might not be completely accurate, you are understocked, and you have one bad *** plant there. a mix of all of the above.