ZERO readings for Ammonia, Nitrite, AND Nitrate

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T

The_Don

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 24, 2013
99
0
6
New york
Hi, I've been getting readings of zero on my liquid api test kits for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate for about two weeks now. This is a freshwater aquarium and I know there is supposed to be at least some nitrates in the tank. Also, I know the test kit is working because I am in the midst of cycling another tank right now and I am seeing readings in ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. I've tested the tank numerous times to see if there would be any change but with no results. I have 10 fish at an average of 6" in the tank so there definitely should be nitrates. In fact, I haven't done a water change in 2 weeks to see if the nitrates would go up, but of course they did not. PLEASE HELP as I am very confused right now!
Thanks!
 
I don't have the liquid test for that, but I used the test strip (I know it's not as accurate) but it's at around 6.5. Should I get the liquid one for that?
 
What do you have in the tank (fish, plants, media) and what do you have in your sump or filters?

How much food is going into the tank and what is the food?
 
I have 10 American cichlids ranging from 4-10 inches. No live plants. 4 emperor 280's with two standard cartitridges in each and a sunsun 304b (525 gph) with one section of bioballs/cermic rings and 3 sections of coarse and fine filter pads. Its a 180 btw
 
Take a sample of the water to your LFS and get them to test it for nitrates. IDK how far into the cycle you are but it may be that the ammonia and nitrites tests are fine and something is wrong with the nitrate test liquid. If their test shows nitrates then you probably need a new nitrate test kit.
 
I mean the other tank you are cycling, how far is the tank into cycling? My guess would still be a faulty nitrate kit
 
Well, if the tank hasn't cycled yet, there will be 0 Nitrates and 0 Nitrites. All you would see is Ammonia if there are fish in the water until some bacteria get started. With very low pH, I've read that nitrification of ammonia is ceased. like at 6.0? Low pH also turns ammonia to ammonium, too. ammonium is different and wouldn't show up on your test kit. No nitrates will be formed because there's no nitrites, cause those bacteria won't start in low pH water. makes sense to me. Get your pH up to 7.0-8.0? Why is your pH so low?
 
Moved to setup and filtration.

Also, there's no need to quadruple post to bump your thread every 15 minutes. This forum isn't active enough that it would get buried that quickly.
 
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