PLEASE I need help on a water test question...

saltwaternewbee · Jul 17, 2012

I've been checking my nitrates at home with an API kit. It shows my nitrates to between 60-80 ppm....problem is I've got no hair, bubble or cynical alge in the tanks. I bought another kit to see if the 1 is was using as bad. Got the same results. So I took a sample with me to work so I could stop by on my way home..mind you it was 95Â° outside today. I stopped and had it tested. It shows my nitrates at 5ppm. How's that possible? Does sitting for 13hrs in the heat change the test results? I testes again tonite..same as before between 40-80 ppm.

Aquaph8 · Jul 17, 2012

Honestly it could be a lot of things from user error to bad test kit, when in doubt try another brand and compare.

Degener8 · Jul 18, 2012

I use API test kits and get.good results following their instructions to a T. Are you shaking bottle 2 vigorously for a full minute before adding to the vial? If not this could be your issue
It's crucial that the instructions are followed
Be sure to read the actual instructions not just the quick reference on the card.

ritter6788 · Jul 18, 2012

Make sure you follow the API instructions exactly. I've found that one wrong step can throw off the result.

saltwaternewbee · Aug 1, 2012

I bought a different test kit and got even more readings. Started vodka/vinegar dosing about 3 weeks ago and my nitrates are down around 5-10 ppm using both test kits.