Master Test Kit results

**HeatherB** · 03-21-2013, 08:28 PM

After years of keeping fish, I finally invested in an API Master Test Kit. (Thanks tax check!)

A bit confused about results I got
PH: 7.6
Ammonia: .25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

I thought that your aquarium being cycled you were supposed to register at least some bit of nitrate? The ammonia is elevated because I've added some new fish and am getting ready to change the water.

What should my numbers be? This tank has been up and running for... good grief like 2 years at least.

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-21-2013, 08:34 PM

If you are certain the tank is cycled the amount of nitrate would be determined by the amount of fish and the water changing schedule. Are you certain you shook the reagents for nitrate really well? There are zinc crystals in the second one that will settle to the bottom when the bottles are not in use and you need to shake the bottles quite a bit when you first buy them and if they have been sitting unused for a while.

**mrramsey** · 03-21-2013, 08:36 PM

The nitrate test has to be done exactly to the instructions. Add the first solution then cap and shake the test tube. Next shake the 2nd solution vigorously for a full 30 seconds. Then add it to the test tube. Cap and shake for 1 full minute. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Check the results.

**HeatherB** · 03-21-2013, 08:39 PM

Alright, let me test again. Thanks guys. I will follow to the letter! Just a sec!

**HeatherB** · 03-21-2013, 08:53 PM

Thanks! It actually turned colors this time haha. I hadn't shaken the #2 bottle.

But, yikes! Nitrates are high!! Must go change water!

What numbers should I be looking for when I am testing?

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-21-2013, 09:19 PM

It's best for nitrates to be around or below 20ppm between water changes. If they get higher do a big enough change to bring them down, then keep testing and that will tell you how often you need to do a water change. Ideally, they will stay at or below 20ppm and you can do one good sized water change a week.

**mrramsey** · 03-21-2013, 09:47 PM

to mommy1's post

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-22-2013, 01:50 PM

My nitrates depend on when they were taken. At the end of the week when a water change is needed or if the filters are dirty, then they will register higher. If I do a test right after a cleaning or water change, then I will have 0 or very, very close to 0 for many days.