water testing

Question
Karen,

I am in the process of setting up a new 55 gal Fresh water aquarium. I am currently in my 17th day. I have been testing the water regularly, using Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master test kit(liquid & test tubes). Since I am the type of person who always wants to double check everything, I bought a second kit, this time Mardel master test kit (dip sticks). now to my delima. Ph & Amonia test the same with both kits. 7.2 and .25 respectively. But, my nitrite & nitrate readings come up different AP gives me nitrite 2ppm & nitrate 10ppm and Mardel is giving me nitrite 10ppm & nitrate 40 ppm. Why am I getting differing readings? Is one type of kit more accurate than the other?  I have rechecked several times, on back to back days, with the smae results.

thank you for any help you can give me

Mike

Answer
Dear Mike, (Sorry for getting to you so late...)
I am sorry to say this is very baffling to me!
It would be very impossible to know who is right. My only guess is that they are made different or read nitrite and nitrate differently. I've had this happen lots of times though with me. I am still on a mission to solve this mystery too!

Mardel is very good with all their products, and I think I would have a tendancy to lean more towards Mardel's readings. Good for you to have a master test kit anyway!!

If I find anything else out about this I will be sure to let you know!
Hope this helps a little... ;-)

Best wishes on your new 55 gallon aquarium!!!
Karen~