Except for checks on the SG, I don't regularly test for anything in my tank. Whenever I do test, the results are always the same:
SG: 35
Ammonia: 0
Nitrates: 0
Phosphates: 0
dKh: 8-9
Calcium: 450-480
pH: 8.1-8.2
Mag: 1300-ish
So tonight, as I was waiting for my wife and kids to get home from university, I decided to test my skimmate for Nitrates and Phosphates. Don't ask me why, because I don't know.
The Nitrates were 10ppm and Phosphate was 5ppm. (using API test kits) The skimmate was really dark and stinky, and for some reason, I really expected both levels to be much higher.
I was wondering if anyone else has tested their skimmate, and if so, what were the readings?
Enquiring minds want to know...
Low bioload?
I wouldn't say it was low...
Fishwise..
Med sized Yellow Tang
Coral Beauty
2 x 2 1/2" Ocelaris Clowns
Royal Gramma
Yellow Watchman Goby
in a 75G
But with a total volume of around a 100 gallons it's not a lot. I suppose it depends on how much you feed as well and if you are also feeding the coral.
Edit: I just reread your original post and I too would suspect if your skimmate was dark it would show higher readings but then I've never tested mine.
the things we do for our fish tanks! lol amazing that the tritration test worked
I don't know how accurate the test results are...
The fluid was pretty dark to start with, so my reading of the results might be off. In addition, the liquid foamed up a fair bit when I shook the test tube and had a layer of foam at the top for the entire wait time, so this also could affect the results.
Quote from: Rybren on September 30, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
I don't know how accurate the test results are...
That is what I was thinking, I do not think I can test my skimmate as It would always show dark brown as the color :D
I might be 100% wrong here but I think your skimmer doesn't remove Nitrate or Phosphate. It removes dissolved organics that, when they decay, turn into Phosphate and Nitrate.
You might very well be correct
I never thought to test my skimmate. When I take the collector cup off the smell makes me put it straight into the toilet!