New test kits: results

[Lonewolfblue]

If you go a little over, that's ok too. But try for just under.

 

[fishygurl]

I think i did the test wrong before, because when i tested today the ammonia was 1 ppm so i tested again and it was still 1 so i must have done it wrong before, i think i forgot to wait 5 mins.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Yes, wait 5 minutes..

 

[fishygurl]

OK question about the nitrite test kit, i think i might have been getting that wrong too. Its the Ap test kit yesterday, the color was past to the purple of the 0.50 but definately purple, not pink but darker than the pink 5.0 so yesterday i made the mistake and assumed it was past 5.0 now im guessing (hoping) that its actually in between 0.50 and 1.0. If so that would mean i was reading it wrong yesterday. Todays readings (assuming im right about the Nitrite)

Ammonia 0- 0.25 (around 0.10 i think) I just added more so i think itll be around 1 now...
Nitrite: 0.75?
Nitrate: 40

 

[fishygurl]

oh ya and the PH is 6.5. Will it be more stable once the cycle is over? It was 6.8 yesterday.

 

[rich311k]

Looks like you are very close. Keep on trucking.

 

[fishygurl]

Thanks, ill update again tomorrow.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Once you are cycled, the ph should remain more stable yes.

 

[fishygurl]

About the nitrite test, have you ever had the experience i described its either 0.75 or 4 LOL Big Dif And the ammonia is at 1.5 now, i added a bit much.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Ok, now let ammonia go to 0 before adding another .5-1ppm.

 

[fishygurl]

I know its probably very hard to tell from the picture, but what would you say this reads as?

 

[Zagz]

To me it looks like you have too much water in the test tube. That will give you inaccurate readings also. I would guess 4th fromthe bottom, based on how my computer is displaying it, or third from the top whichever you prefer.

 

[rich311k]

looks like .5 to me

 

[fishygurl]

I thought so too, theres not too much water, thats just because the test tube is laying on its side.. it was easier to take a pic that way!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I would have to agree with .5 myself, maybe .6 if you can picture the purple going to pink. It's closer to the purple, so .5-.6 would be my reading.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Fishygurl: I have to ask, have you tested the hardness of your water? The pH fluctuations can be caused by the cycle, but it could be because there is not enough of a buffer available in your tank. Did you test the pH after letting a glass sit out overnight?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Oops, my bust. Looked at my card again, I'd say .4-.5. It's slightly on the other side of .5. Sorry for the mistake.

 

[fishygurl]

Havnt tested the hardness mabye il get it tested at the LFS because i dont really wanna buy another test kit! ( ive spent 80$ on those already because i bought the nutrafin brand then i had to buy the AP because the nutrafin was very inaccurate.0 Do most LFS test hardness?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Alot of lfs will test for hardness if you ask. If you go to a store that uses liquid reagent kits they should be able to test the hardness. Make sure you get the exact figures. I don't know how many times I've went to the lfs and been told that my results were "fine". Then come to find out that Ammonia is 1 ppm and Nitrites are 2 ppm.

 

[fishygurl]

Well they use the AP master which is why i think they might not test for hardness because the master does not include hardness. But i will ask tomorrow... By the way, GH or KH