poohfan61

I'm using an API Test kit and am concerned about redings. I'm getting Ammonia .25 Nitrites 0 and PH 7.4. I took the water to my LFS and he got a reading on the Ammonia .25 and Nitrates .25. I know this isn't much of a variance. I've done the test several times after I've returned home and I don't show any nitrites yet. The LFS suggested instead of changing water to add two capfuls of PRIME and to add a into my filter a bog a ammonia nuetralizing crystals. Being fairly new I have read different recommendations on the forum. Now I'm not sure what would be best. Any suggestions

suemvb

They do honor the online price. You have to print the page and take it in. I have saved tons (like half price) over the years on filters etc.

suemvb

I'm off to retest my nitrates. I tested it a bunch of times last night and could not figure out why it was as low as it was. I love this forum! I have a problem and look on here and sure enough someone else has dealt with it before and has found a solution.

ewolfe315

Here's another one:

If testing for KH with the Api test be sure to bang the heck out of the bottle:

Test 1 that I did not banging it:

Drop1-yellow
Drop 2-20 yellowish gold

Test 2 after shaking and banging the bottle:
Drop 1 - blue
Drop 2- light geen
Drop 3-Yellow= 53.7 ppm

Note that there is only 1 bottle for this test, but everything must of been stuck to the bottom of the bottle in test 1 from above

According to the instructions that came with this bottle. It states that your first drop should be blue and count the drops you place in the test tube til it turns yellow and then check the chart corresponding with the number of drops you added. This will give you your Carbonate Hardness (also known as Alkalinity). Aquariums with a very low (under 50) are subject to rapid PH shifts if not monitored carefully.

Hope this helps

John