Where Have My Nitrates Gone?

[faildeadly]

So my cycle is nearly complete.

Nitrites and Ammonia both dropping to zero in 24 hours over the last 2 days. However, my nitrates have dropped to from 40ppm to 5ppm.

The tank has some java fern, java moss and a crypto in there. I also spotted some snails this morning which I have promptly taken out.

So where have my nitrates gone???

 

[garyspence84]

Who cares as long as there not in your tank

 

[DrRob]

What test kit are you using? Some of them have a bit of a reputation for needing to be shaken to the extreme to get the nitrate readings accurate, and even then it's one of the less reliable tests.

It's possible that plants or algae are eating them, unless of course you've done a water change, but sadly, more likely just variabilities in the test kit.

 

[faildeadly]

What test kit are you using?

I'm using API Master Kit

 

[Dieses Madchen]

The nitrate test in the API master can be finicky if you don't literally break your hand shaking bottle #2

 

[Aquascaper]

1st bottle shake for 30 seconds before adding
2nd bottle shake for 60 seconds before adding
Then shake and leave for 5mins to develop