Water readings

[AquaDummy]

My tank has been cycled for a couple of weeks and I have a good number of fish in it. I never see ammonia or nitrites anymore - which is real nice. I have no real plants so I kind of expected to see Nitrates slowly rise but I rarely see any. All my tests are pretty much 0 all the time. Is that normal or should I be checking my test kit? I was thinking of taking a sample to the LFS to see what they get for readings.

My tank is always a bit cloudy so was wondering if maybe that was an algea bloom and thus having some effect?

 

[daveedka]

I would verify the test with the LFS, especially if you are using aquarium pharmeseuticals. I use their nitrate test, and if you don't shake them enough they read low every time. I still use them so don't take my comments wrong but they are very finicky about procedure especially the shaking part. In any case if in doubt, verify at the lfs, and then you know. I do agree that you should see some nitrate increase at some level or another.
dave

 

[AquaDummy]

The test kit I have (for nitrates) is a Hagen Nurtafin N03 test kit. I do get readings for nitrates but never higher than 5. I have been changing the water at about 50% every few days so I know that brings it down. I think to put myself at ease though, I will take a sample to the LFS.