How is it possible?

Hi

How is it possible to have my tank for like 1 year and have the following readings?

0 ammonia
0 nitrite
0 nitrate

shouldnt i have a reading of something?

I have a 600lt tank with 8 discus, fluval 405, i do a 15% w/c twice a week

Jeffa

those readings doesn't mean there is something wrong - it means your filter is doing its job.
Yes you usually have a reading of Nitrate - but if you have a planted tank - with the water changes your doing - that might be the reason for the no nitrate - its not a bad thing - its actually quite good. Just remember if you do have a planted tank - add plant food.

my tank is barebottom tho?

your test kits are out of date

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ILLUSN

your test kits are out of date

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+1

but i even got them tested at the aquarium & i got a new test kit and all gave zero readings to

are you leaving the nitrate test for enough time to devolpe? my nitrate test takes 5 mins before it reads a color change.

yep i have even left it up for 10mins & still zero for all 3

its a good thing that your result shows zero. No need to worry.

but everyone says you should have some reading for nitrate?

you should have some nitriate, its the end product of the nitrogen cycle, are you reading the tests with a white card or papper behind the tube? the white background makes it easier to read.

yep i put a white paper behind it

mate - here is what we have ruled out:

-Its not because you have plants - It's a BB tank.
-Your test kits AREN'T out of date - LFS has tested your water.
-Your test kits AREN'T contaminated - Again, LFS has tested.

Here's what i think:

Your filter's biological filtration is spot on - your bacteria colonies are so dense - their destroying the bad bacteria as soon as it hits the tank - Your tank is BB - so your fish can see the food more easily on the bottom - meaning less Ammonia - all up - your doing what any fish keeper should be doing - keeping the water in A1 condition.

Here's what i recommend you try:

-Take a sample of water to a different LFS - have them test your water as the test kit at YOUR LFS might also be out of date/contaminated.
-Test your water BEFORE you do any sort of water change or add any sort of chemicals.
-Have a fellow fish loving friend test your water with HIS/HER test kits.

If everything tests spot on - your doing a fantastic job - also - are you adding much 'raw' bacteria to your tank - such as cycle?

all i add is prime to my aged water for atleast 24hrs b4 adding to the tank

I used to get the same readings on a tank I had a few years ago, it was a 300 L tank with 2 eheim 2217's on it. Stocked with 11 adult discus. Like George says, the cycle is working at an optimum rate. No worries from me. Keep it up. :)

H

i put 2 beef heart blocks into a cup of water over night & tested it now for ammonia with my test kit and it showed a ammonia reading...so im guessing my tst kit is fine?

yes jeffa