Steve113

Hello again folks,

I apologise if this has been covered before but I made a discovery today which I thought I had a duty to share with you all. I think it'll be quite a handy hint - especially to the newbie out there like myself.

Some of you may be aware that I has some rather strange test readings from my API test kit recently - Despite my tank having been set up for some time - I was showing no Nitrates at all in the tank.

I wasn't happy with this so I went off to find some answers:
What I learned was quite interesting:

With the API test kit, many people have had false readings with the NITRATE test - The test will display a 0ppm when it clearly should be a +ive reading.

The test bottles have both got to be shaked vigorously for about a minute otherwise the results are most likely invalid - I tried this and as I dropped the solution into the test tube I instantly noticed the difference - the test solution seemed thicker and after some more shaking and waiting the stated 5mins (Very important) - The test solution clearly indicated the prescence of Nitrates.

I test my water regularly and sometimes am guilty of cutting corners - the 5 min wait doesn't always seem needed for some of the other tests - but trust me it's defo required to see an accurate Nitrate reading.

I know this seems obvious but I don't think the instructions really make it clear how vigorously you need to shake these test bottles to loosen up whatever's in them.

~~~

If you have 0 nitrates and are even a little dubious - please try this and let me know how you get on.
- Shake em hard

steve.

Steve113

Oh, I meant to say - I even took a water sample to my LFS today (before I had discovered this) as I was sure I was doing somethign wrong - and even they got a 0ppm reading!

... Quite concerning as they are looking after what are potentially my fish!

:S

NewBKaeK

First post haha..

Anyways, the reason why you might be getting low nitrates is because you have plants in your tank. Plants eat up nitrates for growth, some moreso than others. If you have a heavily planted tank then you shouldn't be worried, them plants are eating the nitrates faster than the bacteria can produce them.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong please, because from what I know about plants... thats whats happening =x

As to the test kit, I haven't gotten any nitrAte readings from it yet, probably because it's not cycled yet.

Steve113

I wish people would read first then post.

As I stated above - I had a 0 nitrate reading then I found this advice re tha API test.

I NOW HAVE NITRATES SHOWING!


- Nothing to do with my plants.

Just thought I'd put that there for anyone else in my situation - If you have 0 nitrates - TRY WHAT I SAID - then post.

- Oh, and welcome to Fishlore.

luna

NewBKaeK

My bad. It was quite unclear. Especially when your second post said your LFS also got readings of 0ppm.

Steve113

Yep - hence my comment: ...

"Quite concerning as they are looking after what are potentially my fish!"

hehe.