Readings

[Niki_up]

just took tank readings, I always struggle with ammonia and nitrate, can you help me?

I want to say ammonia is between 0-0.25, and nitrates between 0–5.

I’m hoping you agree that ammonia is 0 because it comes out of my tap at 0.5, hoping my cycle is fixing it within 24 hrs.

One pic of each reading and two pics of each.

Thanks!

 

[NathanKS]

Agree

 

[Niki_up]

Agree

Thanks!

 

[tlindsey]

Agree

+1

 

[duanes]

I agree with your assessment.
Most aquarium tests, and comparator sheet are only ballpark approximations, even though (and because) you are dealing in tiny samples of water, and parts per million.
If you want an accurate assessment you would need to read results on a photo-spectrometer, like I used working as a chemist in the lab, and the one I used cost more than my truck. No aquarist would be willing to shell out that amount of cash for results, so until they become cash friendly, we need to accept what they have available.
I used to check my tank water every day in the lab, and my nitrate would average between 2 and 5ppm.

 

[Niki_up]

I agree with your assessment.
Most aquarium tests, and comparator sheet are only ballpark approximations, even though (and because) you are dealing in tiny samples of water, and parts per million.
If you want an accurate assessment you would need to read results on a photo-spectrometer, like I used working as a chemist in the lab, and the one I used cost more than my truck. No aquarist would be willing to shell out that amount of cash for results, so until they become cash friendly, we need to accept what they have available.
I used to check my tank water every day in the lab, and my nitrate would average between 2 and 5ppm.

Thanks! Approximations will just have to be enough....I’m assuming I could buy 5-6 of my cars to get that equipment! No thanks.

Though I do have a microscope at work if I ever needed it

 

[timtk]

If you're worried you can always add more biological filter media to increase the amount of real estate for BB to grow in your tank. Like Duanes said, we can't measure any chemical species accurately or precisely at home.

 

[Niki_up]

If you're worried you can always add more biological filter media to increase the amount of real estate for BB to grow in your tank. Like Duanes said, we can't measure any chemical species accurately or precisely at home.

by biological filter you mean like the ceramic rings? I do have lava rock in my tank and some in my filter, that would work the same?

 

[timtk]

by biological filter you mean like the ceramic rings? I do have lava rock in my tank and some in my filter, that would work the same?

Yes exactly. Anything that provides room for nitrifying bacteria to grow.. ceramic rings, bio balls, k1, sponge/matten filters are all popular choices. I'm not sure how porous lava rock is but it certainly is better than nothing.

 

[Niki_up]

Yes exactly. Anything that provides room for nitrifying bacteria to grow.. ceramic rings, bio balls, k1, sponge/matten filters are all popular choices. I'm not sure how porous lava rock is but it certainly is better than nothing.

Laval rocks are pretty porous, I also add those plastic dish scrubbers from the dollar store (one with no add d chemicals etc, just the colourful mesh circular pads)