Water Testing Kits

[LongNY]

My NitrAtes were off the chart and my fish should be dead with such a high reading. I then learned, thanks to this Forum, that NitrAte Testing Kits expire at some point and lose their effectiveness after 6 months....

I could NOT find any NitrAte kits that had not expired at 3 stores here in NYC, (at least by the way that I was reading the date on the label), so I'm contacting Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and asking them.... but in the mean time..... any advice?

John NYC

 

[rdd1952]

The only way to remove nitrates is with water changes. If you are doing weekly 15% or larger water changes AND your tank isn't severely overstocked, you shouldn't have to worry. It usually takes several weeks for nitrates to build to dangerous levels unless you have a massive fish load. If you are worried, do a 25% water change but as long as the fish look healthy, I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

[modernhamlet]

For test kits, just order one from BigAl's or a similar online store. Probably cost you less (even with shipping) than in a NYC LFS...

 

[LongNY]

Thanks for the help.... I did buy another NitrAte kit from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and tested the water with both kits side by side..... my new kit gave me a reading of 20 which I know is normal and the older kit still went off the chart.... So I guess I answered my own question as to whether these kits expire.....
Thanks John NYC

I emailed Aquaruim Pharmaceuticals and they said that their test kits are good for 3 years from the date on the kit, soooooo....who knows...