Test Strips

[Bill j]

I just bought the 200 test strips. The color for the hardness doesn’t seem to be right, it’s probably me I will include a photo. Any ideas? Thanks 

[Brian]

When this happens to me (Regardless of brands or manufacture) I have always figured the reading is between the two colors?

Good Luck 

[Bru]

I haven't bought these yet but I did see a review where someone said you have to make note of the hardness first, maybe because the color changes quickly. I agree, it doesn't appear to fall on the chart anywhere. It looks like your water is more acidic, whereas mine is liquid rock.

[Bill j]

Thanks, BRU I will check it out.

[Bill j]

8 hours ago, Brian said:

When this happens to me (Regardless of brands or manufacture) I have always figured the reading is between the two colors?

Good Luck 

Thanks, Brian 

[Bill j]

On 3/30/2021 at 2:25 AM, Bill j said:

I just bought the 200 test strips. The color for the hardness doesn’t seem to be right, it’s probably me I will include a photo. Any ideas? Thanks 

Using the photo above, my water is hard, but I don’t  how hard. It looks too far off to make a decision. Over 300 or under 300 ?

what do you guys think ? Thanks 

also how do I get rid of my old questions.? Thanks 

[Cory]

As a forum, old questions stay so that others can learn as well. Was your test compared at the correct time when the picture was taken. From what I see in the pic, it seems your tank could be in old tank syndrome. This happens if you were to top off the tank for evaporation lots of times with minimal water changes. Does your tap water test this hard as well?

[aquachris]

All mine do this with test strips almost identical to what your seeing with the color and doesn't matter the brand.  I can only get my hardness right using the API test kit - thankfully that ones not too bad to do, and I don't do it terribly often anyhow.

[Mitch_ScruffyCityAquatics]

I have to read hardness at the 60 second mark. It doesn’t take long for it to begin to turn pink. I read that as 300+. 

[GardenStateGoldfish]

It looks as if your ph and hardness has crashed which is why the test results look like that,

 

I would do a series of small water changes to bring the tank back into sorts, like 15% a day for 5 days then retest

[Bill j]

Thanks everyone for your response to my question on the test strips I appreciate the help

[Guppysnail]

My tap water is so hard you need a jackhammer...my guppies adore it. ACO strips turn a fluorescent purple that isn’t even close or between any colors. API is alway 13-15 drops out of the tap. I rarely test gh because all my babies are thrilled the harder the better.