ollyaaa

My results

GH = 4 dH
kH = 5 dH
Ph = 7.5
NO2 = <0.3mg/l

Can anyone help me here.

I understand thats a good result for NO2 , but I thought nitrates were what really mattered, not nitrites, and my kit wont test that?!

Can anyone help?

primerowan

What test are you using? I know most of the forum (and myself) recommend the API Master Test kit - not only does it check all of the most important levels, the liquid tests have also proven to be more accurate than the paper strip ones.

ollyaaa

Thanks for your quick reply, its a liquid test, its the Tetra Laborett Kit

http://www.swelluk.com/aquarium/aqua...-kit-8226.html

primerowan

Well, I'm not sure about testing CO2 or carbonate (I know I don't, but I'm still pretty new!), but that test is lacking a test for NO3, or nitrAte. When cycling a tank or even maintaining a cycled one a nitrate test is key, so you may want to supplement that kit with an individual API nitrate test.

Hope that helps!

kra-z-fishmumm

you need to just go pick up a API test for nitrates and ammonia, (I didn't see that in there), they are sold seperately. Then as you are finished with the other nitrite and pH bottles,,, get the API ones.

susitna-flower

Ammonia and Nitrite are the two TOXIC substances, nitrate can climb and be a problem after the tank is cycled for awhile, but fish can live quite healthy lives up to 20 ppm on nitrates....the others though, anything over 0 requires water changes.....

You don't say if your tank is freshwater or salt. Be sure the tests you are taking match with the type of tank you have. I also agree API Master test kit is what I use.