Leigh

I got my API test kit in the mail and tested my male bettas, Rainbow, tank.

Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0
ammonia: 0
pH: 8.0

Great readings! Is the pH ok, or is it a bit high?

My cycling tank is only showing .50 in ammonia and 0 for nitrates and nitrites and 8.0 for pH so I guess our water is just high in pH and it's hard too.

Leigh

Lucy

If you're betta is ok, I wouldn't worry about the ph.

Having 0 nitrate indicates your tank isn't cycled unless you have a heavily planted tank.

The thing with the #2 nitrate bottle.......it not only has to be shaken like the directions say, but you should bang it against a table a few times.
Unlike the other tests, which are liquid, the #2 nitrate bottle has crystals that really need to be mixed up. Otherwise you could be getting a false reading.

Leigh

Thanks for letting me know Lucy!! I will do that test again. They are not heavily planted at all. Only fake plants.

Leigh

Yea! Thanks Lucy! I retested the cycling tank and the color is not quite a 10 but darker than the 5.0.

Lucy

You're welcome
Readings look good.

Is your ph 8 out of the tap?

Leigh

Redid my betta's tank and the nitrates are 10, good or bad?? ph was out of the tanks But I just tested the tap water and it's inbetween 7.8 and 8. I'm having a hard deciding which color match is best, lol.

Lucy

A reading of 10 is fine for your fish. If this is the 2.5, you'll just need to keep on top on water changes.

Leigh

I clean and do water changes every friday on all my tanks. Thanks Lucy!!

Lucy

You're welcome