Testing skimmate

[Rybren]

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...

[FocusFin]

Low bioload?

[Rybren]

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

[FocusFin]

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.

[salvini55]

the things we do for our fish tanks! lol amazing that the tritration test worked

[Rybren]

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.

[xiaan]

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

[Hookup]

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.

[Rybren]

You might very well be correct

[OttawaReefer]

I never thought to test my skimmate.  When I take the collector cup off the smell makes me put it straight into the toilet!