Test Nitrate = 0????

[discus_maniac]

PH = 6.8
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0

Above is the test i just did this morning, is my Fluval 304 working properly, I should have more or less reading on Nitrate right???

BTW i just change the filter a week ago from using Carbon to Fiber Wool, would that effect the bio on the filter??

Cheers :)

[Dave001]

I'd be checking the test kit, unless you have a lot of plants that are using up all the nitrates?

[chris]

How many Fish,
what size Tank,
How long has the Tank been running for.
Readings are perfect for a Discus tank.
Sometimes its a good Idea to run the old filter at the same time as the new filter, to help colonize the new one.

[G-1000]

Hi Mate,

You should have at least some reading of nitrates. Unless you have recently made a huuuge water change.

Zero nitrate indicates an uncycled (or outrageously clean) tank

G

[discus_maniac]

Hi Mate,

You should have at least some reading of nitrates. Unless you have recently made a huuuge water change.

Zero nitrate indicates an uncycled (or outrageously clean) tank

G

Tank = 250L
Fish = 9 Young Discus, 2 Angels, 2 Clown, 9 Neon, 1 Cat Fish.
W/C 15% every 2-3 days, replace "Carbon" and now using Fibre Wool a week ago.
The tank had been running for 6-9 months

[chris]

With that amount of Bio load, you would expect a nitrate reading.
My Community tank is 300l
6 adult discus.
gravel bottom.
Few palnts aswell
3 years my filters been running for and hardly ever see Nitrate reading.
I do 30% water changes twice a week.

[discus_maniac]

Hi Mate,

You should have at least some reading of nitrates. Unless you have recently made a huuuge water change.

Zero nitrate indicates an uncycled (or outrageously clean) tank

G

So does mean the bio filter is not working properly?
What should i do???
Here is a pix of my tank
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/94_v6_camry/fish.jpg

[Merrilyn]

Your tank is working perfectly, or you would be showing some kind of ammonia reading or nitrite reading. As both of them are at zero, then your bio filter is doing it's job.

You probably are getting some kind of nitrate reading, but your test kit is not sensitive enough to pick it up. With your lovely clean tank, and your good water change practices, you have nothing to worry about.

Congratulations on maintaining excellent conditions for your fish.