Reading API Test Kits

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by pmoradi2002, Apr 18, 2011.

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  1. pmoradi2002

    pmoradi2002 Spaghetti Worm

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    So I noticed that if I place the test tube next to color chart I can match the colors, but when I open up the test tube and look down it with a white background I also get another color but they are different.

    In the kH test, it states to look down the tube if you are having trouble distinguishing the colors.

    I've read many threads about people claiming that the tests are not accurate, could it be because you are supposed to be looking down the tube?

    I am going to be contacting API about this.
     
    pmoradi2002, Apr 18, 2011
    pmoradi2002, Apr 18, 2011
    #1

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  2. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    I would contact them I never knew this I always look threw the side not down the top so when you find out let us know!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    saltyfresh, Apr 18, 2011
    saltyfresh, Apr 18, 2011
    #2
  3. cwinn

    cwinn Astrea Snail

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    interesting. i've always compared it against the card, never tried looking down. please keep us updated!
     
    cwinn, Apr 18, 2011
    cwinn, Apr 18, 2011
    #3
  4. pmoradi2002

    pmoradi2002 Spaghetti Worm

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    Here are some readings I get

    Looking top down-
    pH - 8.4
    Nitrate - 20
    Nitrite - .25
    Ammonia - .25
    Phosphate - .5

    Looking Horizontally next to the chart-
    pH - 8.4
    Nitrate - 10
    Nitrite - 0
    Ammonia - 0
    Phosphate - .25

    I've contacted API, hopefully they will get back to me tomorrow.
     
    pmoradi2002, Apr 18, 2011
    pmoradi2002, Apr 18, 2011
    #4
  5. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    I look at it with a glance really, just through the side of the test tube, not top down.
     
    Zoanthids21, Apr 18, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Apr 18, 2011
    #5
  6. Jgut3

    Jgut3 Fire Worm

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    Im also intersted in this.
     
    Jgut3, Apr 19, 2011
    Jgut3, Apr 19, 2011
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  7. quinstar

    quinstar Fire Worm

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    Nice observation. I'm interested to see if you hear back from them on this.
     
    quinstar, Apr 19, 2011
    quinstar, Apr 19, 2011
    #7
  8. mike007

    mike007 Sea Dragon

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    Waiting for reply from API...
     
    mike007, Apr 19, 2011
    mike007, Apr 19, 2011
    #8
  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You should have a higher reading looking top down since you are looking through a greater depth to the background. I have always read them from the side because that is the way they are designed to be read.
     
    2in10, Apr 19, 2011
    2in10, Apr 19, 2011
    #9
  10. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

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    I have been using API for years and I don't recall ever reading to look down into the tube. I have other kits that instruct only to read that way but not API. The instructions say to hold the tube against the card in bright light. If you look down the light refraction will add color or deepen the color giving a false reading.
     
    unclejed, Apr 19, 2011
    unclejed, Apr 19, 2011
    #10
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