I tested my parameters today before doing a water change, see my other thread http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/i-need-cycling-advice-please-130355.html
Nitrate test is now showing that I only have about 5ppm Previously I have been at least 80ppm What's going on? I did follow the directions correctly, API master kit. But I noticed that the first solution alomost instantly changed to a darker orange instead of staying bright yellow after the first mixing. Then I added the second solution after its shaking and it lightened to a light yellow-orange, and slowly to the light orange around 5ppm. I tested three times with the same result. I also tested the tap but it did as normal (or what I think is supposed to be normal). First solution bright yellow, second solution light orange of 5ppm, which is what my tap has. What is normal? When you test nitrates does the first solution stay as bright yellow or change to something other?
Nitrate test is now showing that I only have about 5ppm Previously I have been at least 80ppm What's going on? I did follow the directions correctly, API master kit. But I noticed that the first solution alomost instantly changed to a darker orange instead of staying bright yellow after the first mixing. Then I added the second solution after its shaking and it lightened to a light yellow-orange, and slowly to the light orange around 5ppm. I tested three times with the same result. I also tested the tap but it did as normal (or what I think is supposed to be normal). First solution bright yellow, second solution light orange of 5ppm, which is what my tap has. What is normal? When you test nitrates does the first solution stay as bright yellow or change to something other?