Water Testing (CONFUSED)

[tjgaskiller]

I am currently using an API Saltwater Master test kit I bought from the LFS. I check my water every week. I am a bit confused on my Nitrate levels and the suggested level they should be at. My test kit starts at 0 ppm(mg/L) and goes to 100 ppm(mg/L). My water checks out at 20ppm(light orange) but everything I have read says to try to keep it at .5ppm. My test kit doesn't even go that low! Am I reading this wrong? Is it my test kit? I have corals, fish, LR, LS, a protein skimmer, biowheel.. everything seems to be doing fine. I just dont understand what Im missing here, if anything.

 

[JEFFR259]

I believe it should say 5ppm....sounds like a misprint

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

no. API is a more broad test kit. other test kits graduate as low as .00
they are using another brand test kit.
I use API and when it doesn't change color than you know your good.... Good luck

 

[boomer135]

a lot of folks run high nitrates...they to keep them as low as possible but 10ppm isn't gonna kill Nitrites and ammonia are a killer

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

If you have a fish only tank high nitrates aren't a factor. but for corals you want them as low as possible. true 10ppm isn't that bad but the goal is 0 N03 and 0 P04.

 

[davewbush]

What kind of filtration do you run?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

but 10ppm isn't gonna kill Nitrites and ammonia are a killer

Ammonia is the killer. Nitrite is not toxic in marine systems, unlike fresh water systems:

Nitrite and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/rhf/index.htm

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I try to read those articles from Randy but most of the time I need my dictionary open next to me just to understand them

 

[hamiltonguy]

Keep in mind when using an API test kit for the nitrate test, you have to leave it for 5 minutes. That basically means exactly 5 minutes. If you leave it longer then the color will be darker and your nitrates might actually read higher than they actually are. A few seconds wont' hurt but a few minutes will.

Get some chaeto in a fuge, it won't be an immediate repair but over time it will help.

As said above coral and inverts are more sensitive to higher nitrates. But I don't think 20ppm should do TOO much damage if any. I'm not sure on that though so I'll let someone else fill in for you and correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

You know when I started using API I would let the vial sit for hours and it did get darker after the 5 minute period was up. But now that I shake all the test bottles vigorously for a minute before using them...(recommended by someone for a more accurate reading) the color doesn't change after 5 minutes.

Just an FYI

 

[hamiltonguy]

Oh ahah, that's a good FYI. Now I don't have to be so anal about checking it after 5 minutes :lol:

Well there ya go tjgaskiller, hope that helps.

 

[Bulldogger2008]

I have high nitrates and I have corals in the tank, GSP, BP, Leather cabbage, etc... and they all do fine with my nitrates sitting at 50ppm.