Test Kit Came today!

[ocminpin]

It's been a rough few months and I haven't been able to test my water since I ran out of liquid... Ordered a new API kit and it came today. Yay
I've been keeping up on my water changes.. Let's see what the numbers are... < holding breath>

 

[ocminpin]

Oh nooooooo! :-(
I've officially learned my lesson.. Always order the test kit before you run out!!

29g:

Ph- 8.4
Am- 0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 80

10g:
Ph- 8.2
Am- 0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 80

How is this possible with 50% PWC weekly and only feeding every other day?!
And in my Betta tank?? Why would nitrates be so high? I feed him 4 pellets every other day and he eats them one at a time and nothing hits the groud.

 

[Cichlid Kid]

Check your source water for nitrates. To do this correctly if it's tapwater, aerate a cupful with an airstone at least 8 hrs then test. Also make sure you shake the nitrate test bottle #2 really well.

 

[ocminpin]

Check your source water for nitrates. To do this correctly if it's tapwater, aerate a cupful with an airstone at least 8 hrs then test. Also make sure you shake the nitrate test bottle #2 really well.

I shook the bottles and pounded them for 2 mins... Shook 2 mins in test tube and sat for 5 min exactly...
My tap months ago when I tested last December was 20ppm... I tested in April and it was 10ppm.
I'll test tomorrow in the morning.. I don't have an extra air stone.. Can I get a cup of water and let sit and test in morning... Will be 15 hrs at that point..