API liquid test kits

[Pekitivey]

Do people actually shake for the times recommend on the nitrate test? I can't bring myself to do it!

[Daniel]

I hate following directions. But when it comes to chemistry protocols as much as it pains me, it I follow the directions.

[DaveSamsell]

@Pekitivey, IME, the nitrate test can be tricky, if not used correctly.  I follow the instructions.  The nitrate bottle #2, is especially critical to be mixed properly for an accurate test result. 

Back when I purchased my original API test kit, I even tried various times of mixing and there is a difference in accuracy.  

Went back to the provided factory instructions and it seems to work the best.

Was curious, do you have a lot of aquariums to test?  Maybe there is a better way for you, I.E. test strips, etc.

[Pekitivey]

6 minutes ago, DaveSamsell said:

@Pekitivey, IME, the nitrate test can be tricky, if not used correctly.  I follow the instructions.  The nitrate bottle #2, is especially critical to be mixed properly for an accurate test result. 

Back when I purchased my original API test kit, I even tried various times of mixing and there is a difference in accuracy.  

Went back to the provided factory instructions and it seems to work the best.

Was curious, do you have a lot of aquariums to test?  Maybe there is a better way for you, I.E. test strips, etc.

I guess that's true. Can't really guess with chemistry. And you've tested the times!!? That's actually s good idea. I think I'll heed the advice then! 

I have invested in test strips as I have three tanks going now. Put they read in different units to the PPM that I'm used to! LOL. I guess the fun is in the learning

[DaveSamsell]

@Pekitivey, those test strips work well. 

Am partial to the API liquid master test kit though.  Would imagine it's a matter of personal preference and available time, etc.  

I also use other purchased liquid API tests, GH, KH & phosphate.   They come in handy for testing my planted, freshwater aquariums.

 

 

[Pekitivey]

I think I'll add the GH and KH to the inventory eventually. I like the test strips for a quick nitrate check to see if I'm still on course. Not cheap here in Ireland. About 18euros

[TheDukeAnumber1]

@Pekitivey I switched over to the test strips but if I ever go back to the API kit I'm going to tape my nitrate test bottle to an air pump.

Edited September 22, 2020 by TheDukeAnumber1

[Pekitivey]

Id actually get over the shaking. What really grinds my gears is how you have to shake between bottles. So the lid gets all wet on the inside and then it drops leak out on the second shake. I also have this problem when I make my kids bottles 😂😂 

[Robin]

I'm going to buy the strips and if they show an appreciable problem I'll double check it with the liquid test kit. 

[Errk25]

I use the Tetra EasyStrips 6 in 1 all the time. I’ve tested them against the API master kit a few times and they are always very close if not the same results for me. If I get any reading that’s much out of the norm on the test strips I’ll do a API master test too using their exact instructions for conformation. This way works for me and I love the convenience of the test strips.  

Edited September 22, 2020 by Errk25

[Pekitivey]

And how do you differentiate PPI and mg/l is there like a chart to compare them