High Nitrates

[SABOB]

I recently bought an API test kit which is showing my 55 gallon mini reef Nitrates at 40-60 ppm.I tested the RO/DI water from LFS and got a reading of10-20ppm.Is the test kit bad or could rinsing out my water container with tap water after water change be causing the readings from LFS.I use 5 gallon water containers to bring water home from LFS,them mix with IO in a bucket for water change.I siphon out tank water to empty water container,dump water and rinse with tap to remove any leftover algae,detrius etc.Any thoughts would help.

[Ed]

Could be a bad reagent in the test kit. Might take a sample to the LFS and let them test it.

[SABOB]

Would the rinsing out of the water containers and tubes from the test kit with tap water leave nitrates or phosphates or anything?If so,what should I rinse these out with?

[Ed]

I rinse test tubes with tap. Just make sure that you fill and empty the test tube a few times before taking the sample you want to test. I really doubt there is enough tap water left in the containers to do any harm. The most likely problem is a bad reagent in the test kit. Having the LFS test the water should tell you whether it is time for a new test kit or not.

[SABOB]

Thanks for your advice.I'll take some water to LFS for them to test.Might have to buy additional Nitrate test kit.

[Ed]

You're welcome. Be sure to post your results from the LFS water test.

[edawgm]

Not to scare you but it could just be your water. I mean, I had this problem before and I do everything just like you do and I took my water to a LFS to test it as well. They had a little better reading than what I had but it was still high. Where mine was reading 60-80, theirs was 20-40. Even though my tank showed no signs of a problem that is what it read. Since then I added a 20g tall slow flow refug under my 75g and started takeing a day off of feeding. All is still good and I haven't tested since that time either.:innocent2:

:Timeout:ooopps that has been over 3 months ago.
I think I might go get a new test kit myself

[erikharrison]

I had a set from API that I bought from TTropical awhile back. The Nitrates were off the charts blood red almost after a minute.

[SABOB]

So what is a good brand for Nitrate tests?If it can be purchased locally (SA ) would be great.

[dabudkrew]

i read you should rinse the tubes with your aquarium water before the tests.

[SABOB]

I took some tank water to LFS ( Aquarium Designs) and Nitrates were 10 ppm.I feel better knowing API test results were wrong.Bought a Nutrafin (Hagen) NO3 kit,tested tank water at home,showed 10 ppm,so I guess all is well.

[Ed]

Glad it worked out. I have used Hagen test kits and had good results.