When are nitrates the highest?

[chrisjj625]

I am having trouble getting my new Hanna (low range tester) to read nitrates in my tank. I have been feeding a ton to get them up and can get a reading of about 2ppm on salifert. In an effort to have the best possible chance of getting a reading, when should I test. I assume it takes some time after feeding for extra food to get broken down into amminoa, then nitrate. Thus, when are nitrates the highest in the reef tank?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve not seen much info on timing or whether it changes much in typical aquaria on an hour to hour basis.