Water change questions

[codheadjohn]

Are you using the API test kit? From 1-20 is pretty much indestinguishable, as is anything above that. I use it as orange is good, red is bad.

The JBL is much better for getting a reading, although 50-100 is so high that it doesn't make much difference.

On the subject of Pozzani nitrate filters, I bought one thinking I want really low nitrates for Rams and Discus. Turns out Seachem Matrix works really well and my nitrates have dropped from about 50ppm to 1ppm in 3 weeks. It might not be so effective when fully stocked, but definitely working well right now

[Ides of March]

I will perform another water change tonight. Will do a bit more than 50%.

I have some test strips and the API test tube kit, but that takes a while to get readings so I just use strips at the moment.

Yes I have a Pozzani filter.

[black ghost]

Strips are notoriously inaccurate.

[Ides of March]

Just performed a water change, about 60%/70%.

Tested water and it’s down to 5PPM - 20PPM. Using the API test kit as more reliable it seems.

Going to perform another water change tomorrow to see.

Thanks for your help guys, seem to be getting somewhere.

[Art]

If there is too much nitrate, it shows that the nitrogen cycle is working well. Nitrate is a nutrient for plants. It should be 5 to 20 mg / liter.
My aquariums are very heavily planted and I have too little nitrate. (Shrimp tanks). I add ammonium to make the nitrate rise above 5.

The vegetation may be too weak if nitrate is not consumed