Nitrate Spike Or Different Test Method?

[StevenF]

 
 
So the nitrates must be from the end result of the cycle. It makes sense that my tank is high in nitrates, though. I don't do many water changes as I test my parameters weekly and they always came back clean! But now that I've shaken the bottles, it's clear that I've been getting false readings this whole time! 

In my opinion the current water test kits we have are so cheep that they have a lot of compromises that make accuracy questionable.  I your case is zero the correct reading or is 30 to 40 ppm correct?  Somehow you need verify your test result.  Many labs out there purchase calibrated test samples and use them to verify their lab equipment is generating correct results.  You might want to purchase such a sample.  I have looked a the one linked below.It contains packets of water that have 10ppm of nitrate in them and others that have 100ppm.  If you dilute the 100ppm packet  with an  equal amount of distilled water you should get a solution with a 50ppm reading.    That might tell you if shaking the bottle is right or wrong.
 
http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085XFTPA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

 

 
 
So the nitrates must be from the end result of the cycle. It makes sense that my tank is high in nitrates, though. I don't do many water changes as I test my parameters weekly and they always came back clean! But now that I've shaken the bottles, it's clear that I've been getting false readings this whole time! 

In my opinion the current water test kits we have are so cheep that they have a lot of compromises that make accuracy questionable.  I your case is zero the correct reading or is 30 to 40 ppm correct?  

The tank water is 30-40 ppm, the tap water is what came out to zero. 
 
 

 
 
http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085XFTPA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 

I'll look into this, that should help me out a lot. Do you know if they have one for pH? Because I could surely benefit from that, too.
Again, thank you for your help.

 

[StevenF]

 
StevenF, on 06 Mar 2016 - 10:57 AM, said:

 
Quote

 
http/www.amazon.co...d=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 

I'll look into this, that should help me out a lot. Do you know if they have one for pH? Because I could surely benefit from that, too.
Again, thank you for your help.

I did see PH test solutions earlier when I was looking for this stuff.  After alll there are a lot of electric PH meters on the market and the calibration needs to be checked form time to time.

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

I think it's safe to say if we all had the pockets deep enough for a electronic pH meter and controller, all the aquarists in the hobby would have one in their home.
My job actually has an all in one controller. Neptune's System D.O.S.Controller is what it's called I believe? Super high-tech. Very pricey.
You can adjust the spectrum of lighting with it, set the pH, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Very nice addition, especially to reef aquariums.