Nitrate Tester

[JRPhd]

I have a RedSea test kit and my nitrates have always been @ 5ppm, even after large and frequent water changes, and even when I had little to no nutrient import (no fish or feeding). Beginning to wonder whether it's my kit. Is there a brand that is strongly recommended? I have Salifert for Ca, po4, and alk, but I heard their nitrate kit is not so hot.
Thnxs
Jon

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

have you ever checked your water for nitrates before changing water that could be your prob.

 

[JRPhd]

I would test b4 a change and show 5ppm, which would lead to a water change (typically 13% weekly). I also did some relatively large water changes to see if I could get them down. So, I test before and then a day later, and I have seen no changes. Also added a fuge with chaeto and nothing yet. Only one fish and fed sparingly. Nvr had any major alage probs. and coralline is starting to take off now.
Jon

 

[Desert Aquarium]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6593127#post6593127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRPhd
I would test b4 a change and show 5ppm, which would lead to a water change (typically 13% weekly). I also did some relatively large water changes to see if I could get them down. So, I test before and then a day later, and I have seen no changes. Also added a fuge with chaeto and nothing yet. Only one fish and fed sparingly. Nvr had any major alage probs. and coralline is starting to take off now.
Jon

Actually, I believe that he was asking you if you tested the water that you were using to make the change.

The water out of my facet runs about 20ppm. :eek2:

Distilled water is what I use. RO/DI someday.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

yes sorry i wasn't more clear i was asking weather you were checking the water you just made beore you put it in the tank.

 

[JRPhd]

Oh, sorry, yeah I have. I use ro/di from the store. As close to 0 as I can tell using the color comparisson on my kit. wow 20ppm from the faucet. scary.

 

[JRPhd]

I guess I can have the lfs test for me, but they charge for it and they also sell sick fish, so I don't really want to give them my business .

But any good nitrate test kits you can think of?

 

[mhhauser]

I have never bought one, But I know that most people on reefcentral would probably reccomend going to Salifert because I asked a same simmaliar question on a thread and got the response, that I should go to

www.salifert.com

 

[mhhauser]

*same

 

[Holmie_D_Klown]

I'm not too thrilled with the Salifert Nitrate test either (or pH), but I have yet to find a better test kit for these parameters.