API Test Kits

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011.

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  1. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    why do some of the color charts have the exact same color representing two different levels (PPM). The Nitrate card has the same color for 5 and 10ppm. the High Range PH has the same color for 8.0 and 8.2. the ammonia has the same color for 2.0 and 4.0ppm. WTF! I mean come on they arent that cheap!:angry:
     
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
    #1

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  2. TheSaltwaterGuy

    TheSaltwaterGuy Banned

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    yeah i agree with you i couldnt figure out if my nitrate level would be 5 or 10 in the past
     
    TheSaltwaterGuy, Jan 12, 2011
    TheSaltwaterGuy, Jan 12, 2011
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  3. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    They are slightly different. maybe you are color blind.
    However it is pretty hard to compare them to the test tube.

    I use sali's no crappy API's for me anymore.;D
     
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
    #3
  4. TheSaltwaterGuy

    TheSaltwaterGuy Banned

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    +1; again, i can never really tell what color it is
     
    TheSaltwaterGuy, Jan 12, 2011
    TheSaltwaterGuy, Jan 12, 2011
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  5. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    LMAO, i mean the least they could do is make the color DIFFERENT. :(
     
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
    #5
  6. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    well it is different. but if you mean not a gradient then its chemistry thats the problem
     
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
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  7. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    yeah your right :)
     
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jan 12, 2011
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  8. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    get the salifert test kit, it will do high range(1-100) and low range(0-10 I think) so you can get a more accurate reading if your levels are very low.
     
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
    sostoudt, Jan 12, 2011
    #8
  9. mulder32

    mulder32 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I use the API kit and the colors are slightly different. The type of light being used in the room when you are using the kit is the difference. If I compare the test tube with the chart in my very "yellowish" bathroom lighting the test really isn't that accurate. If I go to a room with more neutrel lighting I can see a difference, and feel it's more accurate.
     
    mulder32, Jan 16, 2011
    mulder32, Jan 16, 2011
    #9
  10. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    i was thinking the exact same thing yesterday lol... 5 and 10 are impossible to tell apart when you have a test tube beside them. 7.5???? thats what im forced to log.
     
    benbabcock, Jan 16, 2011
    benbabcock, Jan 16, 2011
    #10
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