Nitrate NO3 testing, I am confused
- Thread starter jojo10
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glb
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I use API for ammonia and nitrites because typically you only test those during cycling. But once the tank is up and running, I use the more expensive kits for accuracy. It's worked for me so far.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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My Tank Thread
The only likely test issue that could cause fish loses is ammonia. Nothing else we measure will make them gasp, unless alkalinity is incredibly high.
Don't add any more buffer until you measure alkalinity.
Don't add any more buffer until you measure alkalinity.
beaslbob
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One thing to keep in mind is some kits are calibrated for nitrate-nitrogen (only the nitrogen portion) while other as calibrated for the total nitrate ion. And the conversion factor is 4 pus some change. So one kit could read 10ppm nitrate nitrogen and another read 10ppm total nitrate and the nitrates are the same.
my .02
my .02
Just a testing tip I've used. To ensure I grab the same amount of water each time (easily), I just went to my local pharmacy and asked for a medicine syringe. (It doesn't have a needle -- it is meant to measure children's liquid medicine and dose them.)
I get the exact amount by just putting it into the tank and pulling the plunger back -- no guessing if the water level in the vial is correct.
I get the exact amount by just putting it into the tank and pulling the plunger back -- no guessing if the water level in the vial is correct.
