Water test from big box petstore

[Titaniumtim]

Hey guys. Got a Pictus Cat today for the bottom of my tank. Just out of curiosity i thought i would test the water to see the difference between mine and the pet stores. WOW!! I know they are way overstocked in each tank, but i thought they had systems that compensated for that. Here's the pet stores water:
Amm-.25/ Nitrites-2-5 /Nitrates-80-160/ High PH-8.

My water:
Amm-0-.25/ Nitrites-0/ Nitrates-5-10/ High PH-7.6.

I'm one or two blocks away from them. I thought the water would be around the same. I think I will take a little extra time acclimating my new buddy!!!

Here's a pic of the pet stores water. the colors aren't exactly reproduced exactly right but u get the idea. Sorry its sideways.

 

[Delapool]

Wow - I thought it would be much better too! I've seen high readings for bettas in little holding tanks but thought main tanks would be better.

 

[Mebbid]

What pet store is that from?

 

[Titaniumtim]

Petsmart. It has only been open for around three weeks tho. maybe there still gettin things settled.

 

[Delapool]

Hope so! A fish in cycle indeed?!

 

[Titaniumtim]

I bet they are using test strips instead of liquid tests. I know the petsmart a few miles away does because they tried to tell me to buy the strips. I said i heard they aren't that reliable and she said they use them for their tanks, and that they are fine.lol