nitrate tests

darkiss · 10/27/2012, 05:52 PM

So I have been using nitrate API test kit and it reads around 40

Then today I used the salfiert nitrate test and it reads around 10

What should I do ?

MuffsAbby · 10/27/2012, 06:00 PM

I've always found API reads higher than other test kits on nitrate...perhaps I don't shake enough! I use API for ammonia and nitrite (which I test for regularly in my QT), but I'm not crazy about their nitrate test.

darkiss · 10/27/2012, 06:12 PM

Why would your qt tank have ammonia or nitrite?

Thought they were only if your cycling

MuffsAbby · 10/27/2012, 06:43 PM

I didn't say it had ammonia or nitrite, just that I test for those

. Actually, I tend not to test for nitrite these days, just ammonia. So far, it has always tested zero, other than when I've started it up (with no fish in). But, with a QT and no LR...just an HOB filter...I feel safer testing on a regular basis.

Paulca916 · 10/27/2012, 06:55 PM

Myself for Nitrates I use ELOS before that I used Salifert with good results from both. ( And Red Sea Pro are good kit's)
In my honest opinion I don't trust API for any testing.
I went to a LFS one day to see if they had ELOS Alk kits they were out they offered me API and told me they were just as good.
So I told him I would take 3 of the kits and check the Alk in one of his tank's if they tested within 1 of each other I would buy all 3 of them.
Well kit #1 =7 DKH #2= 9 DKH and #3 was 14 DKH

He threw them in the garbage can

I saved my money for an ELSO test kit

10/27/2012, 06:43 PM	#4
MuffsAbby Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 327	I didn't say it had ammonia or nitrite, just that I test for those . Actually, I tend not to test for nitrite these days, just ammonia. So far, it has always tested zero, other than when I've started it up (with no fish in). But, with a QT and no LR...just an HOB filter...I feel safer testing on a regular basis. __________________ Susan Current Tank Info: 150g fish only DT, with 2 ocellaris clowns, flagfin angel, bangaii cardinal, flame hawk pair and lyretail anthias.

10/27/2012, 06:55 PM	#5
Paulca916 Retired Reefer ;-) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Roseville Ca 95661 Posts: 3,155	Myself for Nitrates I use ELOS before that I used Salifert with good results from both. ( And Red Sea Pro are good kit's) In my honest opinion I don't trust API for any testing. I went to a LFS one day to see if they had ELOS Alk kits they were out they offered me API and told me they were just as good. So I told him I would take 3 of the kits and check the Alk in one of his tank's if they tested within 1 of each other I would buy all 3 of them. Well kit #1 =7 DKH #2= 9 DKH and #3 was 14 DKH He threw them in the garbage can I saved my money for an ELSO test kit __________________ I can think of worse addiction's to have Midget Mud Wrestling ? Current Tank Info: LOT"S OF MEMORIES

10/27/2012, 05:52 PM	#1
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	nitrate tests So I have been using nitrate API test kit and it reads around 40 Then today I used the salfiert nitrate test and it reads around 10 What should I do ?

10/27/2012, 06:00 PM	#2
MuffsAbby Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 327	I've always found API reads higher than other test kits on nitrate...perhaps I don't shake enough! I use API for ammonia and nitrite (which I test for regularly in my QT), but I'm not crazy about their nitrate test. __________________ Susan Current Tank Info: 150g fish only DT, with 2 ocellaris clowns, flagfin angel, bangaii cardinal, flame hawk pair and lyretail anthias.

10/27/2012, 06:12 PM	#3
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	Why would your qt tank have ammonia or nitrite? Thought they were only if your cycling