Why do I buy test kits if I never believe the results?

[stubbsz]

I got a phosphate and Nitrate kit (sailfert as recommened by this forum)

I hoped phosphates would be low as I use phosban (not as much as they say though). I was scared about nitrates ... not sure why; just was.

I get absolute ZERO on both. I should be happy but I find myself in a state of disbelief. Am I nuts or is this a common reaction.

 

[Chubosco]

Is there a standard for test kits? My fanasty is Consumer Reports would check out all of them. I really have weird fanasties.

 

[Anonymous]

They are like polls... you don't believe the result, but you still read them. :wink:

 

[stubbsz]

I guess if there was some colouration after I do the test. The fact that the test sample doesn't react at all makes it hard to believe. Alk/CA tests are much nicer.... bang the colour changes and you have a reading. Trying to see a very pale pink colour is a clear liquid gave me a headache.

 

[Anonymous]

Am I nuts or is this a common reaction.

If I have to choose between the two...you're nuts.
I've never heard of this issue before quite frankly, and I used to work in a fish store where all sorts of lunatics frequented.

 

[ChrisRD]

Normal IMO/IME.

I haven't had detectable levels of phosphate or nitrate in an established reef tank in years - at least not on hobby grade kits. IMO there are visual cues (ie. nuisance algae, coral color/health, etc.) that are good enough indicators of phosphate issues so, personally, I don't bother testing that stuff anymore.

If you really want to know what your levels are, there are high end test kits out there with really low detection ranges that you will get a reading with. They are $$$ though...