API Master Test Kits

**Dave Waits** · 11-16-2012, 09:28 PM

Query, have any of you had any problems with these test kits? Following the instructions to the letter, I constantly show 5+ ppm of nitrites, even after a 50 % water-change. I'm beginning to wonder about this.

**~firefly~** · 11-16-2012, 09:37 PM

Have you tested your tap water?

**jeffs99dime** · 11-16-2012, 09:52 PM

Yeah, test your tap water. I always recommend that so you know what you are dealing with before the water goes into the tank.

**Dave Waits** · 11-16-2012, 10:47 PM

Ph-7.5, Amm-0 ppm, Nitrites-0 ppm, Nitrates-.5 ppm. My tap water.

**~firefly~** · 11-16-2012, 10:54 PM

Well that should show that your test kit works if you get a different reading from the tap. Do another 50% water change and immediately test again?

**Cermet** · 11-16-2012, 11:14 PM

A 50% water change will not make a big change if you really have 8 ppm nitrites and they now drop to 4 ppm - both could, on a kit, read about 5 ppm since the eye is not great at comparing colors since light type and intensity matters.

Do a real water change - 90%+ because nitrites should be well under 0.5 ppm or lower. That is a better test. I hope this isn't an aquarium with fish ... .