Opinion on red sea nitrate test

[Brian wea]

I tested my water for nitraes using the red sea test and my results show around 10 ppm. At my lfs request I brought them a sample of my water and they used a pinpoint probe that showed results of 52 ppm. I have two questions. 1 can my test be that inaccurate? And 2 if my nitrates are that high would their be visible stress on my tanks inhabitants like my rbta that to me looks happy and hasn't lost any color?

 

[cloak]

If everything looks good just continue with your current routine. Chasing those numbers will bite you in the you know what sometimes... This is just my experience, but once you have a firm grasp on how the cycle works the rest is gravy... This hobby is not really that difficult.. At first there was 10 toothpicks laid out in front of me. (so to say) Now, not so much... I've broke a whole lot of them off. ("breaking the law, breaking the law") Patience...

 

[Brian wea]

Still would like to know if my test could really be that far off

 

[SamsReef]

I have tried Red Sea and API. API is good for starter tests (ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) while Red Sea I did not find useful (consistency, ease, accuracy) for any.

For last several years, I only use salifert and Hanna. Sorry, did not answer your question but hopefully will help in future as you make investment in test kits.

Sam

 

[twilliard]

I feel the red sea pro no3 is the most accurate for me with the colormetric wheel.
What caught my eye about the probe they may have used...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16751

Read the overview on the range

 

[Triggreef]

Looks like the first review is the paid one you'd expect to see, and second one is probably someone who actually bought one.

I've use red sea test kits for a long time and never had problems. I'd expect that your test was accurate and the store probably hasn't calibrated theirs lately.

On a side note triton test does not test nitrates but everything else I've tested with red sea kits before sending out the sample has agreed with tritons results.

 

[twilliard]

I was more talking about the range of the probe
0 to 10 for reef
0 to 100 for fish only
You are over 10 so I bet they flipped it to fish only....
But isnt no3... no3??
Odd setup

 

[Brian wea]

U guys make some good points. So I should assume my test was fairly accurate since my tank looks pretty good and everyone inside is happy..

 

[Brian wea]

Wow that pinpoint has a lot of bad reviews. Red sea wasn't the cheapest option so I thought it would be reliable. Thanks for your help.

 

[twilliard]

If your at 15ppm no3 your good to go!

 

[Brian wea]

after they tested my water I almost panicked and did two large water changes as well as using redsea nopo again. last night my nitrates were even lower. according to my test. im gonna just rely my logic and forget what the lfs tells me.