Bad nitrate test.

[Flyride95]

So tonight I test my water for nitrates shortly after I do a large water change again for nitrates. Test comes back at 160ppm. I was going nuts because it has been 80-160 since day 1 and that is with me doing close to 50% water changes every 2 weeks. I've even set up a bio pellet reactor.
So tonight I take some pure rodi water and test it expecting it to say 0. Nope comes back as 80ppm nitrates.
Moral or the story don't trust API nitrate liquid test with an 09/11 stamp. And yes I shook the heck out of the bottle for 3 minutes.
Does anyone have a good safe nitrate test they would recommend?

[FireWater]

Any time I get weird results from a test I try to get a second opinion. It has happened to me before using several different brands.

I have been happy lately with the Red Sea kits.

[Flyride95]

Ok thank you

[Bill S]

I think I've been saying this about API kits for oh, THIRTY years. I've been a Salifert user for many, many years. I also had a problem with a Seachem kit a few years ago, and when I contacted the mfg, they told me "oh, yeah, we had a few bad ones get out...".

[Flyride95]

Yea I'm right there with you now after this API incident. I emailed them a long explanation about what all steps I've taken and how I've tried it on tap water and still got 160ppm and they emailed me back with how to take the test and that I should test it on tap water lol. I just replied that they clearly did not read my email. Won't be buying anything by them ever again that is for sure.

[Bill S]

Yea I'm right there with you now after this API incident. I emailed them a long explanation about what all steps I've taken and how I've tried it on tap water and still got 160ppm and they emailed me back with how to take the test and that I should test it on tap water lol. I just replied that they clearly did not read my email. Won't be buying anything by them ever again that is for sure.

I cringe every time I ask the question - I know the answer when I ask it. I wish LFSs just wouldn't sell their kits. The WORST is the big 'all in one" kit.

[ErikH]

I cringe every time I ask the question - I know the answer when I ask it. I wish LFSs just wouldn't sell their kits. The WORST is the big 'all in one" kit.

LOL The "Master" kit is designed to make you change more water than needed, and add more supplements than needed until your tank crashes! I think those kits were designed by a shady fish store!

[Flyride95]

Lmao I think your right.

[Flyride95]

So today I brought some of my water to an lfs and sure enough my nitrates are at 0. All this time doing 30-40% water changes every 2 weeks and going out and getting a reactor to run biopellets ( thanks Eric). I hate API lol. Such a relieving and frustrating feeling.