Nitrate color test.. do you see what I see?

[rmorris_14]

Ok so I just did my first Salifert test. Testing for nitrates. Attached is the photo. I see somewhere between 25 and 50... since this is my first time using.. can people weigh in an double check whether they see the same and it’s not 50.

 

[Garf]

Ok so I just did my first Salifert test. Testing for nitrates. Attached is the photo. I see somewhere between 25 and 50... since this is my first time using.. can people weigh in an double check whether they see the same and it’s not 50.

Yep

 

[Tamberav]

If corals are happy and there isn't a bunch of algae... lets say it is not 50

 

[GarrettT]

I’ve had salifert do that to me twice now (even after rechecking that day). Next day I rechecked and it was back to normal 5ppm. Can’t explain it, but I wouldn't freak out just yet.

 

[GARRIGA]

Have you tested nitrites as that might affect nitrates tests. Something I always forget and explains why I had a reading of 180 ppm nitrates during cycling. I'm a dummy sometimes.

BTW, I read between 25 and 50, as well.

 

[rmorris_14]

If corals are happy and there isn't a bunch of algae... lets say it is not 50

Hahaha corals are happy but they are high nutrient corals. I have been battling GHA but it’s not overrunning the tank. It could be 50. But I’m leaning toward 40 ish hahaha. Tonight is my water change night.. testing to decide between a 10 or 15 gallon on my 32.

 

[rmorris_14]

I’ve had salifert do that to me twice now (even after rechecking that day). Next day I rechecked and it was back to normal 5ppm. Can’t explain it, but I wouldn't freak out just yet.

Thanks... I’m not freaking out just trying to get used to how this test read... I know my nitrates are higher than where they should be. I tend to see more of what I want when interpreting colors lol

 

[BrianAnthony]

Hi! I have the same test kit... I record everything when I test. I would mark this one down as 37.5

 

[rmorris_14]

Have you tested nitrites as that might affect nitrates tests. Something I always forget and explains why I had a reading of 180 ppm nitrates during cycling. I'm a dummy sometimes.

BTW, I read between 25 and 50, as well.

Nitrites are 0 every time I have tested

 

[rmorris_14]

Hi! I have the same test kit... I record everything when I test. I would mark this one down as 37.5

That’s a very specific number. LOVE IT! Haha

 

[GARRIGA]

Nitrites are 0 every time I have tested

There goes that theory.

NoPox has been very very good to me. Too good at times and it gets very close to bottoming out my nitrates but I feed heavily so that's short lived. Just need to add phosphates has been my experience. Not necessarily the Refiled ratio but presence of it. Oddly my tank is phosphate deficient. No idea why since I feed flakes and pellets.

 

[Tamberav]

Hahaha corals are happy but they are high nutrient corals. I have been battling GHA but it’s not overrunning the tank. It could be 50. But I’m leaning toward 40 ish hahaha. Tonight is my water change night.. testing to decide between a 10 or 15 gallon on my 32.

looks good, if its not broken, don't fix it

 

[CK00020]

That’s why I bought the Hanna checker, mine is always that color.

 

[JGT]

If you still have the sample try the more exacting method. Look at the sample through the side of the vial and match the color, then divide by 10. So 100 would be 10.
Looks 35-40 ish to me.

 

[rmorris_14]

If you still have the sample try the more exacting method. Look at the sample through the side of the vial and match the color, then divide by 10. So 100 would be 10.
Looks 35-40 ish to me.

I don’t still have the sample but that’s kind of where I was thinking it was. Thanks!!

 

[Just John]

I would be writing down 40, but that's just me. How about this one?

 

[rmorris_14]

There goes that theory.

NoPox has been very very good to me. Too good at times and it gets very close to bottoming out my nitrates but I feed heavily so that's short lived. Just need to add phosphates has been my experience. Not necessarily the Refiled ratio but presence of it. Oddly my tank is phosphate deficient. No idea why since I feed flakes and pellets.

What do you use to check your phosphates? BRS convinced me that vibrant was my best course of action to handling my GHA because it was more “natural” and “just bacteria” where as NOPOX is a harsher chemical. I’ve now read forums about vibrant could be bacteria with hidden algaecyde in it so I’m trying to discontinue use eventually and just get a better handle on my nutrients because I don’t want to rely on it permanently. I’d be worried without having an accurate test like a Hanna checker, I might create a worse problem if I went the NOPOX route.

 

[rmorris_14]

I would be writing down 40, but that's just me. How about this one?

That is friggin hilarious!!! Did you make that. Can I steal it?

 

[JGT]

I would be writing down 40, but that's just me. How about this one?

That’s why you shouldn’t be using API. 5-160 all look the same.

 

[brettdyer80]

Ok so I just did my first Salifert test. Testing for nitrates. Attached is the photo. I see somewhere between 25 and 50... since this is my first time using.. can people weigh in an double check whether they see the same and it’s not 50.

I have the problem..lol I never can decide which colour it is. If hold it up just off the card it changes again.