The results of my new seachem test kit

travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
I just bought a seachem test kit based on what all of you recommened and also because my one test lit I've had since 2003, the other expired in 2007.
Here are my results.. drumroll please!
green- new seachem test red- old strip tests, expired in 2007 blue- API test kit from 2003
nitrates: 50+, 30, 160
nitrites: 0, 2, 0
Alk: 5.5 meq/l, 300 ppm, n/a- didn't have the test
pH: 8.5, 8.4, 8.4
conclusions: I really have to work on my nitates. The strip test were extremley inncacurate and far far off for the most part.
 
cubnb79

cubnb79

Member
yea i did the same...read everyone talking up the seachem test get mine on sat. hope my results are diffrent though
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
If your nitrates are still reading that high, even with the SeaChem kit, you need to do some serious maintenance and water changes, as well as evaluating how much/often you feed, your stock list of fish and your cleaning crew.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///forum/thread/387114/the-results-of-my-new-seachem-test-kit#post_3403618
I just bought a seachem test kit based on what all of you recommened and also because my one test lit I've had since 2003, the other expired in 2007.
Here are my results.. drumroll please!
green- new seachem test red- old strip tests, expired in 2007 blue- API test kit from 2003
nitrates: 50+, 30, 160
nitrites: 0, 2, 0
Alk: 5.5 meq/l, 300 ppm, n/a- didn't have the test
pH: 8.5, 8.4, 8.4
conclusions: I really have to work on my nitates. The strip test were extremley inncacurate and far far off for the most part.
I had the API test kit and it does not go to 160....Are you sure you are doing the test right? 80 was the highest number.
Also, I have more questions....Do you have coral? Do you have any inverts (snails... shrimp)? At 50+ they should be dead. If this is a fish only tank nitrates won't bother them and you can relax. Test strips are garbage.
If you have inverts or coral and they are not dead, or at least acting bad.....you did the tests wrong.
BTLDreef is correct, you need to do more water changes, if the tank is overstocked, get rid of some fish or if overfeeding is the cause...stop it....until you get the nitrates down you can't get a CUC, they will die.
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///forum/thread/387114/the-results-of-my-new-seachem-test-kit#post_3403754
If your nitrates are still reading that high, even with the SeaChem kit, you need to do some serious maintenance and water changes, as well as evaluating how much/often you feed, your stock list of fish and your cleaning crew.
I know... trust me it wasn't pleasant being reassured that my nitrates are way way off of what they should be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreefhttp:///forum/thread/387114/the-results-of-my-new-seachem-test-kit#post_3403871
Also, doesn't the SeaChem kit only read to 25? I can't double check, I'm not home right now
It does, but the results were much darker than 25.... and with the API test results, I can assume that Seachem was reading over 50.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/387114/the-results-of-my-new-seachem-test-kit#post_3403783
I had the API test kit and it does not go to 160....Are you sure you are doing the test right? 80 was the highest number.
Also, I have more questions....Do you have coral? Do you have any inverts (snails... shrimp)? At 50+ they should be dead. If this is a fish only tank nitrates won't bother them and you can relax. Test strips are garbage.
If you have inverts or coral and they are not dead, or at least acting bad.....you did the tests wrong.
BTLDreef is correct, you need to do more water changes, if the tank is overstocked, get rid of some fish or if overfeeding is the cause...stop it....until you get the nitrates down you can't get a CUC, they will die.
No, my API test kit goes up to 160... I tested right... I can take a pic if you want. I only have a giant blue legged hermit crab (3") who's doing fine but he is a very hardy crab...
If you read my conclusions, I did say that I will have to work on my nitrates. In that, I meant everything you two meant, including water changes, re-evaluating stock, etc. etc. I will even add a refugium. The cuc thing is exactly why I took the time to get a second test... so I can make sure everything is correct.
Now I have some work ahead of me...
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///forum/thread/387114/the-results-of-my-new-seachem-test-kit#post_3403875
It does, but the results were much darker than 25.... and with the API test results, I can assume that Seachem was reading over 50.
No, my API test kit goes up to 160... I tested right... I can take a pic if you want. I only have a giant blue legged hermit crab (3") who's doing fine but he is a very hardy crab...
If you read my conclusions, I did say that I will have to work on my nitrates. In that, I meant everything you two meant, including water changes, re-evaluating stock, etc. etc. I will even add a refugium. The cuc thing is exactly why I took the time to get a second test... so I can make sure everything is correct.
Now I have some work ahead of me...
You don't have to get a refugium, there are plenty of macroalgae that are decorative and can go right in the main tank. I did that with my Seahorse tank and nitrates are always a beautiful 0, and the macros have nice color.
 
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