Test kit bottles leaking

[Chris287]

My api test kit bottles leak every time I shake them for the nitrate test are the faulty or is this normal because I do not want to poison my fish or myself via my hands that are covered in test chemicals.

[firstname-lastname]

If you mean the glass test vials, then yes the cap always leaks when you shake them and it's infuriating.

If you mean the actual drop bottle the chemicals come in then no, that's not normal.

[Chris287]

It is the glass ones. Is any residue bad for fish or shrimp?

[HH Morant]

It is common for a few drops to come out as you shake the test tube. I hold the plastic cap down while I am shaking, but some of the caps fit better than others. I have never heard of any harm to fish or people from testing chemicals on hands. Just rinse off. I am pretty sure the tests are accurate despite a few drops leaking.

[Schwack]

I bought a large bag of plastic, 5mL tubes with screw on caps from Amazon. I can't imagine going back to the API glass tubes. Bonus, you can measure out 2.5mL and stretch your reagents! I think I paid ~$8 for 20.

Edited June 8, 2021 by Schwack

[Guppysnail]

I hold my finger over the top of cap tightly.  Yup my wall were multicolor polka dot when I first started. I rinse and shake in separate room. I’ve always been fearful of contamination in my tanks. 

[ARMYVET]

I don't use the plastic caps...i just put my finger over the end of the tube and no leak....I've done this for 10+ years with no ill effects to me.