Zero Nitrate Reading

[Bryan_D]

I’ve just done a water quality check and for the first time I’ve zeroed out on Nitrate which has never happened before. Normally it sits at 5.0ppm.
Ammonia and Nitrate are both zero as expected.
Should I be concerned about this?

[Bryan_D]

Correction, I may have been a bit quick there. The tube is somewhat darker and is now showing closer to 5ppm.
Out of curiosity though, would it have been a problem?

[black ghost]

If it runs at 5 it’s no problem. Zero is ideal but it usually means the test kit needs replacing.

[Andys temperate tank]

Your plants may be using them all up Bryan.

[Bryan_D]

If it runs at 5 it’s no problem. Zero is ideal but it usually means the test kit needs replacing.

Thanks very much BG.

[Bryan_D]

Your plants may be using them all up Bryan.

True, definitely one to keep an eye on. Thanks Andy.

[Andys temperate tank]

Your plants may be using them all up Bryan.

True, definitely one to keep an eye on. Thanks Andy.

Have you tested your tap water so you know how much its dropping?

[Bryan_D]

It’s normal now. I just read the tube too quickly. After 5 mins the colour changed from yellow to the more brown colour for the 5ppm.

[plankton]

I get very low/no nitrate readings from my tanks, always have done, no matter how old the test kits are. Tap reads zero anyway......

[Martinspuddle]

I'd love to have a Nitrate reading 5ppm ...it goes in at 20-25ppm and within an hour or two is undetectable!