Different nitrate test results

I’ve had this tank running for about a week and a half now and my nitrate results varied. I tested my tank 3 separate times (as well as the tap water) and the nitrate has been going between 0 ppm - 20 ppm. The filter is brand new, and from my understanding there shouldn’t be any traces of nitrate at this point. My only guess right now could be a faulty test kit but I’m still not sure. Does anyone know what this could be?

 

What's the tap water measurement for nitrates?

 

What's the tap water measurement for nitrates?

Between 10 - 20

 

To test the kit get some distilled water, that shouldnt have anything in it. Test that. Im guessing your tap has Nitrate in it.

 

To test the kit get some distilled water, that shouldnt have anything in it. Test that. Im guessing your tap has Nitrate in it.

thank you so much, i just ordered it! Should i use a different source of water for changes? 10- 20 ppm seems like a lot.

 

As long as you keep it at 10-20 with water changes it will be fine.You won't want to slack on water changes.

Nitrate sucking plants will help also.

 

I don’t know your tank size, filter type, bioload, and all, but putting water in the tank with elevated NO3 levels is not (imho) ideal. You could possibly consider using (in addition to plants) an algae scrubber, more anaerobic bacteria media (Biohome/Matrix etc), getting an RO unit to mix into your tap water, or a combination of these. I know these mean extra work, but the idea of WCs is to put as fresh a water into the tank as possible. Just my thoughts.

 

A lot of emergent and floating plants will help as will lightly stocking and feeding your tank. More fish means more nitrate.

It will be difficult to keep the nitrate at 10-20-ppm if that is what's in the tap and the fish are adding more.

I have a moderately planted 29g that used to run 20-40ppm. because of high stocking with weekly 50% WC. After installing many immersed plants I now have to fertilize the tank because they are using up all the nutrients in the tank.

Yes, if you have another source of what you should consider using it.