Nitrate test 2 and 3????????????

[sampsonndelila]

I have 2 different tests for nitrate?? One is in the good range...0 and the other is pretty bad at like 2.0. Which one is more correct? Which one is more dangerous? My tank could be still cycling. It has been in its current state for 4 months now, at least. It is 125 gal. I have done one 20% water change 4 weeks ago (not by choice but the tank overflowed, big mess, wife mad- you know the drill) With 100lbs of live rock - today I added another 100lbs. I have a sump, but I am short on the nitrate eating plants. I have 5 mangroves in my overflow enjoying the "sun" and growing nice roots.
Headed out of town and I am worried sick. I have added a couple new fish today too. and for the first time it might be a little full. Can you have too much rock? It looks cool but I cannot see my little fish. They are enjoying hiding in the rocks.

[sampsonndelila]

1 fuji Fox face
1 Yellow tang
1 Purple tang
1 mini lion
engineered gobi
2 clowns
10 large snails
200 small ones
2 star fish
1 spiney star?
1 blue spotted puffer
3 damzles
15 blue leg

2 groups of mushroom and a very large long tenticle.

All spelled wrong I know.

[sampsonndelila]

Amonia, ph and hardness are good. I can't test for much else with the current test set.

[sampsonndelila]

Nobody knows?
Is everyone asleep?

[alton]

With Nitrate 5ppm or less is fine. With your tank load if it is at 2ppm that would be great. Unless you are talking about NO2 or Nitrite

[sampsonndelila]

I am talking about no2 and n03

[wesheltonj]

NO2 @ 0 excellent, NO3 @ 2 we should all be so lucky. If the 2.0 is really 20, lots of sand vacs and regular water changes should bring that down.