Praise report :)
I was really stressing because my RO unit isn't working and so I've been unable to give my 125g freshwater tank a decent water change since it's been set up. I took a reading on it tonight and instead of the nitrate being brick red as I expected, it was a bright orange (I've lost my color card, but that's about 10-20, perfectly acceptable for FW.) Such a relief!! My hubby's going to try to help me get a new, better unit next month, but until then I can relax a little. My FW fishies, two of which have been with me since near the beginning (and survived a couple disasters) are not in immediate danger. Thank you Lord! I can get some sleep now.
Whether it was the plants, the addition of the microbe-lift special blend I got for free at MAX, a natural buildup of denitrifyers , or a direct act of God, I am incredibly thankful.
I'm also thankful that my parameters In the 20g SW are about as close to perfect as I can get them (barely perceptible nitrate and phosphate, perfect on everything else) and so I'm ready fir my very special Cherry Corals frags I have coming. The corals are a wonderful birthday present and I'm glad to know I'm set up for success.