problem with test kit

[troutking]

my api test strips says my nitrates is off the scale like 200 ppm but all my fish are alive. is it possible for it to be that high and have fish still alive. also my nitrite is 0ppm. my pH is 6 and i want to put driftwood in it. will the driftwood lower the pH too much to a point that it will stress out or kill my fish. i have an arow and a rtc in it

 

[Yanbbrox]

my api test strips says my nitrates is off the scale like 200 ppm but all my fish are alive. is it possible for it to be that high and have fish still alive. also my nitrite is 0ppm. my pH is 6 and i want to put driftwood in it. will the driftwood lower the pH too much to a point that it will stress out or kill my fish. i have an arow and a rtc in it

Test your tap water to see if there is a difference, then do a large water change and test the tank water.

Doing a water change can't hurt if the tap water is ok

 

[chesterthehero]

my api test strips

theres a good chance the strips are the problem.. liquid kits ftw

does the tank smell "green" or "swampy"

but yes.. testing the tapwater is the way to go.. you might even want to bring a sample of your water to the lfs (or petco/mart)... they should all offer free water testing... and while yer there if yer water tests ok then you know its your strips so you can get the liquid kit (API master kit $25)

 

[packer43064]

Recheck it also, if you have any left. Maybe you got a defective kit. Bring a sample to your lfs and if it's like 30ppm and all of your test kits say it's 200, then maybe you can return the kit.