Is there an NO3 tester that measures over 100?

[Twoddler]

As the title says, I'm trying to get a handle on my NO3, its definitely above 75 ( Hannah checker ) possible more than 100 ( Salifert checker )

 

[Garf]

As the title says, I'm trying to get a handle on my NO3, its definitely above 75 ( Hannah checker ) possible more than 100 ( Salifert checker )

Why not just dilute your sample with RODI?

Better still, with new saltwater made with RODI.

 

[Tired]

At that point, I think it's safe to say that your nitrates are "yes". I'm not sure it matters if it's 75ppm or 200ppm.

What filter media do you have? Check if anything's catching detritus in there, and look for detritus behind your rocks. If there's little to none, examine your stock level, feeding, and water change levels. Never underfeed fish to lower nutrients, but check that all the food you put in is going directly into the fish.

If you feed frozen, rinse it before feeding. There's a load of nutrients in the thaw water.

 

[Twoddler]

Why not just dilute your sample with RODI?

Better still, with new saltwater made with RODI.

So if I understand correctly, if I use salifert, 1ml of sample water, add another 1ml of rodi and double the results?

 

[Twoddler]

At that point, I think it's safe to say that your nitrates are "yes". I'm not sure it matters if it's 75ppm or 200ppm.

What filter media do you have? Check if anything's catching detritus in there, and look for detritus behind your rocks. If there's little to none, examine your stock level, feeding, and water change levels. Never underfeed fish to lower nutrients, but check that all the food you put in is going directly into the fish.

If you feed frozen, rinse it before feeding. There's a load of nutrients in the thaw water.

With all respect it does matter, to check if what I'm doing is making a difference
1000ltr tank
Installed extra skimmer
Installed roller filter
Added more bio balls
Running fuge 24hrs
Bi weekly water changes 15%
Dosing Phosphorous

 

[Garf]

So if I understand correctly, if I use salifert, 1ml of sample water, add another 1ml of rodi and double the results?

It’s a 1 ml sample ain’t it so 1 ml of tank water and 1 ml of new saltwater, mix, then use 1 ml of that, is what I would do.

 

[flagg37]

It’s a 1 ml sample ain’t it so 1 ml of tank water and 1 ml of new saltwater, mix, then use 1 ml of that, is what I would do.

Exactly, that would yield a reading 1/2 of what it really is. You could further adjust the ratio if needed.

 

[Harold999]

If you're measuring a still cycling tank with nitrites in it then your nitrate readings are probably false (way too high than they actual are).

 

[Garf]

With all respect it does matter, to check if what I'm doing is making a difference
1000ltr tank
Installed extra skimmer
Installed roller filter
Added more bio balls
Running fuge 24hrs
Bi weekly water changes 15%
Dosing Phosphorous

Come on then, what did it read?

 

[Twoddler]

Come on then, what did it read?

Just in the middle of water change will give in an hour and measure

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just in the middle of water change will give in an hour and measure

Don't miss Harold's comment.

If there is some nitrite possibly present, it's not going to be an accurate nitrate measurement. 1 ppm nitrite reads as 100 ppm nitrate (by design) with some nitrate kits.

 

[Garf]

Don't miss Harold's comment.

If there is some nitrite possibly present, it's not going to be an accurate nitrate measurement. 1 ppm nitrite reads as 100 ppm nitrate (by design) with some nitrate kits.

I’m glad you’ve latched onto this. So, in this context you believe in testing for nitrite? Just someone on here keeps beating others up on this forum by referring to an old article of yours about never needing to test for nitrite. Thanks.

Edit; found this;

 

[Twoddler]

If you're measuring a still cycling tank with nitrites in it then your nitrate readings are probably false (way too high than they actual are).

Tanks 13mth old

 

[Twoddler]

Salifert 1ml tank sample diluted with 1ml new mix saltwater

 

[Twoddler]

Diluted even more, 1ml tank water , 3ml new saltwater. Is this x3 or x4

 

[Garf]

High nitrates confirmed . For it to be valid though, have you got a nitrite test? It’s unlikely to register anything though.

 

[Twoddler]

High nitrates confirmed . For it to be valid though, have you got a nitrite test? It’s unlikely to register anything though.

No, not measured nitrite for over 12mths, I'll see if I can borrow one

 

[Harold999]

I’m glad you’ve latched onto this. So, in this context you believe in testing for nitrite? Just someone on here keeps beating others up on this forum by referring to an old article of yours about never needing to test for nitrite. Thanks.

Edit; found this;

The point is not that some nitrite is harmfull, it isn't in a salt water tank, but when there is nitrite your nitrate measurements will be totally out of whack.

 

[Twoddler]

The point is not that some nitrite is harmfull, it isn't in a salt water tank, but when there is nitrite your nitrate measurements will be totally out of whack.

Nitrite tested today, 0., Just going to be patient and carry on with what I'm doing