What is the best nitrate test kit?

[xjasminex]

Hello!
I have the API liquid nitrate test kit and use it regularly.
In my goldfish tank i have high nitrates and reading the results of the test is hard, the colors are very similar and the values jump as they go higher (40-80-160) i was wondering if anyone has a better test kit that they use that would be a little easier to use!

Thanks!

[n00dl3]

LaMotte is pretty good but a little expensive.

[GeToChKn]

I use the red sea test kit with pretty good results. Colors aren't too hard to tell and if you're confused, you can redo the test diluted with 5parts distilled water to help narrow down your exact number.

[Sajacobs]

I have the same issue with testing my nitrates. I found a picture of API nitrate test values and there's a difference between 10 and 20. Then no difference between 20 and 40. But I found it helpful.

If you try another test kit while you post in this thread? I looked at lamotto but I test everyday to control nitrates thus that kit is too expensive.

[pejerrey]

Don't worry about no3, is harmless in that amount.
You should worry about nh4 and no2 (ammonia and nitrite) as those are the toxic ones.

[Sajacobs]

Btw I think you are on koko's? I've been watching your thread on planted journal and I too have goldfish.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by n00dl3

LaMotte is pretty good but a little expensive.

+1. LaMotte is often touted as "the best" in terms of quality, but not in terms of price

The nitrate test kit comes with physical reference vials so that you don't need to compare your test tubes to a colour card.

[Cthulhu]

Originally Posted by pejerrey

Don't worry about no3, is harmless in that amount.
You should worry about nh4 and no2 (ammonia and nitrite) as those are the toxic ones.

Ammonia (NH3) is toxic, but not ammonium (NH4+)

[xjasminex]

I'm not worried about ammonia or nitrite, I have a pretty good bunch of nitrifying bacteria.

I'll look up the Red Sea kit, thanks!

Sajacobs- I'm on kokos and I'm on the gab, though I'm here more often =]

[pejerrey]

Originally Posted by Cthulhu

Ammonia (NH3) is toxic, but not ammonium (NH4+)

There you go.

[pejerrey]

Originally Posted by xjasminex

I'm not worried about ammonia or nitrite, I have a pretty good bunch of nitrifying bacteria.

I'll look up the Red Sea kit, thanks!

Sajacobs- I'm on kokos and I'm on the gab, though I'm here more often =]

Why are you worried about no3 then?

[xjasminex]

My cycle is great, and efficiently converts them into nitrate.