[Carmen]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate the replies.
So I think the test kit is okay, tested the RO water and the freshly made salt water and both test zero for nitrates. So I can conclude it is definately from the display tank.
The tank is 4 months old and up until now I have never seen a cycle or anything other than normal parameters. I did test ammonia on Tuesday when Nitrates first showed up and there was a trace however very low - I have not tested that again since.
I did find a fallen mushroom that looked pretty bad (fell into anthelia patch)so I flushed it - could that spike nitrates.
My Mom is watching my tank and coming over daily and yes she will do a WC and check nitrates but I can't realistically expect her to do a WC daily! AHH! Why does this always happen at holidays!
Kevin I will leave your number for sure but I am not too sure what you could do really??
So do you think this is just a tank crash waiting to happen? Overstocked? Is it normal to get nitrates at this stage of the game?
Carmen