testing water

[old salty]

Having a problem testing for nitrates for the last 6 weeks at least my test shows them off the scale. I went to the local aquarium shop and it tested fine, same equipment as I have. What can I be doing wrong nothing is expired. I need help.

 

[Intense37754]

Which test kit are you using?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you are cycling the tank, the presence of nitrite can impact different nitrate kits differently.

 

[old salty]

I have a API test kit. the fish store used the same kit. My kit date is 2023.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are you cycling the tank? Have you tested nitrite?

 

[old salty]

Tank has been up for over a year. Nitrites last tested yesterday by fish store. I got the whole set running and just moved it. I new they got rid of it because of losing fish then found out they constantly tore it down to clean. the fish are active no signs of stress. I thought the high levels would have killed them.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Nitrites last tested yesterday by fish store.

And the answer was what?

 

[old salty]

don't remember but were very good.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

don't remember but were very good.

lol

You aren't understanding the reason for the question.

0.2 ppm nitrite can read as 20 ppm nitrate with some nitrate kits.

Hence my concern that the nitrate may not be actually elevated, but a false reading based on nitrite.

 

[old salty]

OK now you told me something I never heard of. Looks like I have some reading to do and expanding my test kit. Any suggestions on reading materials.