Water parameter testing

[uklau]

Hi, I finally willing to fork out some money to buy API test kits for NH4, NO3, GH & KH.

Before water change
NH4=0
NO3=40
KH=5
GH=9

After water change (about 40%)
NH4=0
NO3=40
KH=3
GH=8

I was wondering if the NO3 test kit is faulty. so I did a testing on the water directly from the tap & it shows very little/non NO3. Does this mean that I should do more water change or should I perform water change back to back for a few days to reduce the NO3?

I'm using Seachem Flourite covered with Angel black gravel. Is the water KH & GH normal? Thanks in advance.

[Quixotic]

Hmm... could be a faulty test kit. There are some NO3 test kits that are actually testing for N instead of NO3 itself. However, I don't think that is the case for the API test kits.

That said, I suspect that if you were to test using different brands, you will get different results. Regular water changes and well planted tank should keep the NO3 level in check.

[uklau]

Thanks, Quixotic. Maybe the test kit is showing the truth. All my shrimps died on me over a few weeks, including giant size yamato shrimps . Now, trying changing water twice a week to see if the condition improved.