Test results

Question
I have a question that i cannot answer.  I have a fair bit of fish knowledge but this has stumped me. My friend has a 60 litre fish tank which is heavily overstocked, they have 3 x 3-4 inch blood parrots, 3 x 3 inch kissing gouramis, 1 x 4 inch plec and 4 x 2 inch congo tetras. I know the path this tank is going to lead and i have informed them of this however here is the question. They do a 20% water change every 10-14 days, they have a standard size internal filter and a thin layer of gravel. They dechlorinate any tap water that goes into the tank and always wash things in the dirty tank water. Theyr water test results for ammonia nitrite and nitrate are 0. There has been 3 tests taken by different kits at different times and all read the same, plus 1 at a pet store. How is this possible with so little water changes and the stocking density for that tank.

Answer
Arlene,

There is no way it's not showing anything.  Have you been present when the tests were taken and the water was taken from the tank?

My guess is the water isn't from the tank.  It sounds as if someone has a good slight-of-hand, lol.

It makes zero sense that the tank would have perfect readings, especially because it's so seriously overstocked.

If you weren't present during testing or scooping of water, someone's been selling you a good tale.

I hope this helps.  

Renee