Hanna checker low range nitrate

[TAHK]

Hello,
Trying to figure out the nitrate situation on my tank that has been running for about six months. It cycled properly. I started checking nitrate levels with “Hanna checker” low range. The results have been consistently “0”. Ok, I have added some fish, thinking it would bring the levels up... nothing happened. I started dosing nitrate according to the manufacturer formula... nitrate read 5 ppm once. Now, no matter whether the solution after the proper preparatory testing procedure is barely pink, bright pink, or completely clear it reads “0”. Oh, and occasionally, on special days, it gives the error code that translates into “ you have switched the reference vial and specimen vial” message. It is quite funny, given that I zero the checker with the vial I conduct the test with, so there is no chance of a mixup. If I look carefully at the checker, I think I can see it lounging at me...
Seriously, do I bite the bullet and buy a new one, use another test kit, or allow the current checker make fun of me, while I learn the proper nitrate dose for my system?
All advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[mdb_talon]

If it is laughing at you i think the only option is smack it with a hammer and get a new test kit

 

[TAHK]

If it is laughing at you i think the only option is smack it with a hammer and get a new test kit

Solid piece of advice. What is your favorite test for nitrate? I am willing to try others.

 

[Deep]

Solid piece of advice. What is your favorite test for nitrate? I am willing to try others.

NYOS

 

[MikeTheNewbie]

If the color is changing to any shade of pink the meter should read other than zero. Call them and have them replace your checker. We should not accept bad quality products. They need to know yours doesn't work so they figure it out and improve.
Mine works fine. The instructions are awful but once I figured it out with the help of YouTube I was all set.