I don't know if theses strips are wrong, or the kind I had before, but last week I got all safe readings on my strips with slightly higher acidity, and today I got neutral ph and nitrates through the roof for my live-bearer tank. Can it go from safe to over 200ppm in a week? I am medicating with melafix & added salt monday with a4 degree temp increase also on monday. The melafix has been in use for 2 weeks now tho, so the only real change is the salt and temp. I'm treating for fin rot, body slime & ick, all but the ick has gotten better since the salt & increased temp.
A note on the new test kit, the ammonia test failed completely. It was supposed to turn the water in the tube at least yellow for a 0 reading, but the water was clear both times I tried...
I well be taking a sample to the store to get tested there, but I would like to know how to lower nitrates before I commit to getting a chemical fix for it (really bad luck with adding chemicals to my water, mostly just a ways of money).
Thanks!
Ps- I'm on a tight budget for the rest of this week, so saving money if possible is a huge help.
A note on the new test kit, the ammonia test failed completely. It was supposed to turn the water in the tube at least yellow for a 0 reading, but the water was clear both times I tried...
I well be taking a sample to the store to get tested there, but I would like to know how to lower nitrates before I commit to getting a chemical fix for it (really bad luck with adding chemicals to my water, mostly just a ways of money).
Thanks!
Ps- I'm on a tight budget for the rest of this week, so saving money if possible is a huge help.