Salifert Nitrate test kit

[A.ocellaris]

Hello All,

 

I bought this test since I am trying to keeps nitrates low, but it’s kind of hard to read. From top it looks like 5. From the side is 25/10=2.5. So is it 5 or 2.5? Also, API says 5ppm (but I am not sure if because that number is greater than 0, it jumps to the next color on the chart).

 

KH was on the high end 10-11. pH = 8.0 and Phosphate .25. I am trying NoPox (been dosing for 2 days).

 

Update:

a new Phosphate test shows 0.

Edited April 30, 2018 by A.ocellaris

[Jon Lazar]

Your nitrates are ~2.5.  You should use whichever view (top vs side) makes it easier for you to distinguish the matching color. For low nitrates (<10ppm), that will probably be the side view.

 

Also, I think the API phosphate kit lacks sufficient resolution for reef tanks.  It goes from zero to 0.25 in the first step. Phosphate should be way below 0.25 in a reef tank. Common recommendations are something like 0.03 to 0.05. I don't know what the best test kit it, but it's not API.  

[A.ocellaris]

The phosphate test was at 11 am and I just did one and got zero... it makes you think about accuracy.