2 different test results? Help

cougargirl50

cougargirl50

fish got the best of me
Apr 6, 2005
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Dover, PA
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Ok this is confusing. I have a Freshwater Master Test Kit made bye Aquarium Pharmaceutical's.
I tested my water this morning and this is what results that my tests show

PH 7.2
NITRITES 2.0
NITRATES 20
AMMONIA 2.5

I just got back from taking a water sample to my LFS and they used the QUICK DIP tests. They had 3 different bottles, and she wrote down the results for me and even showed me what they were and here they are:

PH 8.4
CHLORINIE 0
AMMONIA .25
NITRITE 10
NITRATE 50
HARDNESS 300
ALKALINITY 180

my nitrite and nitrate is way off from between the 2 tests. Why are the 2 tests so different and it's the same water.
And which of the results do I go by? And what are they telling me???

I got a brainy idea to test their Nitrite level in their water, so when I brought some home I tested it with my Nitrite tester and sure enough theirs is 0. Whats going on? :help:


Grrrrr this is confusing
 
I would go with your test results. Also I might be wrong, but I think some test kits have different scales. The results are the same, but the numbers to represent them are different. Your test results mean that the tank is still not cycled (if I remember your other threads correctly). You will want to do at least 50% water changes, probably daily. The nitrite and amonia should ideally be 0 and at the levels you have they are VERY toxic to the fish, if you have any in the tank (can't remember :rolleyes: ). Make sure to get the temp the same when doing the changes and to dechlorinate to avoid stressing the fish even more. And test your water each time to see how mucht the water changes are helping!

P.S. I just read your other post from a couple of days ago. If you can get rid of the goldfish I would do that ASAP, they might not make it through this recycling. Also DO NOT add anymore fish until the cycle is done!! It will be a waste of your money because if they don't die from being in such high levels of amonia and nitrite (which is very likely) they will not be as healthy as they could be later on and this could lead to more problems. If you haven't done so already, read the stickys at the top of this forum and learn more about they cycling process then go from there! Good luck
 
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I had test strips...the pet store said "look how much easier they are!" a week later I was buying the test kit you have. For one, they fell in one of my tanks, while sealed. I don't trust those strips for a second, even if they hadn't taken a dive. some ppl like them. I think that the test tube and drops is the best way. Strips are the easy way out. I have been told they make good bookmarks.

If the pet store gave you numbers in ppm, they should correspond to the numbers on the tubes. It is a standard measure (right??). Obviously they didn't match up, but if you ask them to clarify that.

Lisa
 
Thanks for the info. Yes I have gotten rid of the goldfish on Sunday.

I do a water change every morning. My temps stays about 78.

I tested a couple minutes ago and my results are as follows:

PH 7.0
AMMONIA 0
NITRATES 20
NITRITES 1.0

So everything from what I tested but the NITRATES have come down. So I'm hoping things are starting to go in the right directions.
 
That definately sounds better, but the tank is still cycling. Are there any other fish in the tank now? Your ph is fine, I'm not sure if you thought you needed to lower that. Your goldfish will be much happier now I'm sure! Good for you!
 
I took my goldfish out. There is no longer any goldfish in my tank.... ;)
 
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