How do you read your API test results?

I didn't know if to put this in the Newbie section or here.
I've heard that the proper way to read your results is to look down into the test tube and compare with the color chart. But if I'm not mistaken, this method will concentrate the color thus give you a false reading.
Prior to recent weeks, I've always read the tests by holding up the tube against the color chart and I was happy with the readings. But now when I look down the tube, I'm shocked because then I notice that my readings before were "inaccurate".

For example. When I test my Nitrate;
Looking at the tube against the chart, my reading is 0ppm
When looking down the tube and compare with the color chart, my reading is 5-10ppm
AND
phosphates are 0.5 instead of 0 etc.

How do you decipher your test results?

 

If I recall correctly, your supposed to look at it from the side and not from the top.


luna

 

There are brands that call for looking at the tube against the chart and others will call for you to look into the tube. It should be right there in the direction booklet that came with your kits.

 

Oh I see. I just thought that it was wierd that looking down the tube gave me completely different test results.
Thanks for clearing that up.
Maybe my Phosphates and Nitrates are zero after all

 

I used to use API and the directions say to look from the side. The lighting in the room can also make a difference.

 

I use API and I make sure I do the readings in a really bright room. The lighting makes a huge difference! Then just look at the solution from the side and compare.

 

That's great, thanks guys. That lifts a weight off of my shoulders ;D

 

There's been good advice. There are some kits that you are supposed to look through from the top, but all my API tests should be viewed from the side, in a brightly lit room. Sunlight is preferable as most indoor lights are very yellow and the tank lights are usually too blue. When in doubt, just read the directions that came with the kit.

 

make sure you wait 5 mins for results on API nitrates test and wait 3 mins on Phosphate test results.. I thought I had 0 and 0 readings but never waited and got false results.. follow those directions to the "T".

FYI

 

Yep, after I posted this, I took out my API instruction booklet and read the inst. on all the teses carefully.
Afer doing that, I re did tests and noticed that my true nitrates are at 20ppm and phosphates are either 0 or .50 I still can't seem to match the colors correctly on the phosphates. I may have to take it to my supplier and get the professional opinion on it.
I also noticed that if I leave the phosphate test in the tube for over 10 mins, it turns to an icky brown color that doesn't match anything on the color chart so I'm a bit uneasy about that.
Even my RO water test turns to this weird color.
I'm running some GFO po4 remover. And I have a some AO po4 remover. I may run the AO po4 remover in some straight RO to see if I get a different reading before I put the AO in my display.