I just got my nitrite and nitrate tests and tested my 30g (one young 2.5" eastern painted turtle, 4 feeder guppies).
pH: 7.0*
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0 (?!)
Zero ammonia and nitrite I was expecting because the tank is established, but zero nitrate? I followed the test instructions to the letter, including all the "vigorous" shaking. I shook that test tube like nobody's business. I do about 20% water change weekly, but the last one was 4 days ago. So, why no nitrate? I am having some significant algae right now and the only thing I can think of is that the algae is eating it all up. Is that even possible?
*For all the wonderful folks who helped me sort out my pH problem, the cuttlebone seems to be working. Yay! Next on the shopping list: gH/KH test!
pH: 7.0*
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0 (?!)
Zero ammonia and nitrite I was expecting because the tank is established, but zero nitrate? I followed the test instructions to the letter, including all the "vigorous" shaking. I shook that test tube like nobody's business. I do about 20% water change weekly, but the last one was 4 days ago. So, why no nitrate? I am having some significant algae right now and the only thing I can think of is that the algae is eating it all up. Is that even possible?
*For all the wonderful folks who helped me sort out my pH problem, the cuttlebone seems to be working. Yay! Next on the shopping list: gH/KH test!