Test Kit...i'm stupid

So I went and bought a test kit and spent $55.00 on this great kit. Seems like it tested everything I needed after reading these forums.

Problem is, after I was done testing my water - not really knowing what the results mean - I saw in big black lettering - Fresh water testing kit.

What are the chances this kit will work for my 55g SALT water tank?

I'm not holding my breath, but before I put it on the shelf and go buy another kit, I thought I would ask just in case.

 

whats the name of the test kit?

 

Well, it depends on what test it is. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate will read the same between a fresh and saltwater kit barring some chemical interaction with a trace element. pH is usually higher for a saltwater tank, but some freshwater kits may include a "high range" pH test, which should work.

If there's any other tests, let us know what they are.

 

The name of the test kit is "API master Test Kit."

It test the following:

pH
High Range pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

Sounds like it might work? Now, if I really want to be good - I don't want to take the cheap road or easy road, I want to do it right. Is the difference so great that I really won't be getting the correct readings?

 

The only one you can't use is pH. the high range pH should work for saltwater, as long as it goes up to at least 8.4. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate will all work fine.

 

Thank you so much for telling me this. I really thought I was going to have to buy a new one. Thank you for this reply!!

 

I would just check the results of your first test at the LFS to be sure. The LFS results should be pretty close to yours. If not, there may be another interaction between the chemicals and a trace in the saltwater that changes them.

 

Thank you very much!

 

So I just tested the water and here are the results.

High pH 8.4
Ammonia .50
Nitrite .50
Nitrate 5.0
Salt level 1.021
Temp 75 degrees

I think the pH level is high, but after reading a few forum post, this just might be because my bio filters haven't fully developed. I don't have any fish in there, about 10 pounds of live rock and sand.

The ammonia level seems to be doing ok, but I still want a 0.00?
Nitrite seems ok but still want the 0.00?
The Nitrate level of 5.0 I'm not really sure if that is good or not. My "cheat sheet" says from 0.00 to 40.00 ppm is acceptable. Unless I am reading it wrong.

 

40ppm isn't really acceptable nitrate, it's "hopefully stuff won't die" nitrate levels. You want it to be 5 or under, depending on the tank. Don't worry about controlling it until after ammonia and nitrite zero out, though.

Don't add anything until ammonia and nitrite 0 out, either. Did you cycle with a shrimp, or...?