Nitrates

Hope someone has an answer to this one. What is the general max nitrate reading for a FOWLR tank?

 

where are yours at?

 

According to this Mardel test strip my best guess would be 80ppm

 

Don't use test strips they are not accurate. Go out any buy liquid test kits to replace all your strip kits.

80ppm is very high. Most people prefer to keep their nitrates below 5ppm.

 

If you can you should buy a quality titration kit and get rid of the strips. They aren't the most accurate. I think for a fowlr N03 <20ppm is acceptable.

 

Can someone suggest a particular brand.

 

API is a good company.

 

I like API test kits. They're pretty simple. Salifert is good too. I believe on most of their tests you get your reading by how many drops you put in as opposed to just matching colors. It's feels a little more accurate.

 

API is inexpensive, relatively accurate and very simple to use. The master test kit tests ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and is under $30.

 

IMO im not a supporter of the API test kits, I had API and did not feel comfortable with them and purchased some salifert test kits. While a little more $$ the saliferts do use the number of drops and the ml left in the syringe to give your your points to verify your chemical levels. The nitrate test still matches to a color chart. Like stated above I am one of those guys that feels it is a more accurate read.