Anyone using API test kits?

[Jason4]

What is the correct way to view the results?

I'm trying to read my Nitrate levels but depending on how you place the tube on a white background the color changes. If i hold the tube directly on the white card so light cant penetrate the back of the tube, its darker than if i hold it a few inches away from the card where the light can penetrate all sides.

 

[yote]

I always sat the tube on the card in a well lite area and looked down through the it from the top.

 

[Bifferwine]

I always sat the tube on the card in a well lite area and looked down through the it from the top.

Really? According to the API instructions, you are supposed to hold it up against the card, so that the card is up and down, and the test tube is up and down as well. I always press the tube right up against the white.

 

[koda_dad]

I'm with yote... :)

 

[Bifferwine]

Really? But if you look at the pictures on the instructions it shows it my way!!! :cry:

 

[rwynn]

I do it the way of the directions, in strong light, looking directly into the tube on a level plane to avoid light refraction.

 

[Piratefish]

I use API and it said "if you are have a hard time reading the results look down through the top of the tube"

 

[yote]

Really? According to the API instructions, you are supposed to hold it up against the card, so that the card is up and down, and the test tube is up and down as well. I always press the tube right up against the white.

I use API and it said "if you are have a hard time reading the results look down through the top of the tube"

Thats why I look down through the tube.:D My eyes have been burned so much from welding that I have trouble with the colors if I read em the way Biff does.Subtle color changes ARE NOT my friend.:sad:

 

[Cottonwood]

I do it like Biff...Press it right up against the white along side the color guide.

 

[eclipse_001]

I was using API until one day my test read off the charts for everything!!!!! I was freaking out I grabbed a sample of water and ran down to my LFS to have it tested there, when she gave me the results I was finally able to calm down as they were what they usually are
Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Phosphates 0, Calcium 400, and Alkalinity 9, since then I have switched over to Hagen test kits and they have never let me down. Although a little pricey they are almost as accurate as a lab test.

 

[Jason4]

I was using API until one day my test read off the charts for everything!!!!! I was freaking out I grabbed a sample of water and ran down to my LFS to have it tested there, when she gave me the results I was finally able to calm down as they were what they usually are
Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Phosphates 0, Calcium 400, and Alkalinity 9, since then I have switched over to Hagen test kits and they have never let me down. Although a little pricey they are almost as accurate as a lab test.

Thanks. I'll check into Hagen test kits

 

[ccCapt]

Don't waste your money on Hagen test kits. They are no better or no more accurate than API. If you want good, accurate test kits get Salifert.

 

[algy1943]

What is the correct way to view the results?

I'm trying to read my Nitrate levels but depending on how you place the tube on a white background the color changes. If i hold the tube directly on the white card so light cant penetrate the back of the tube, its darker than if i hold it a few inches away from the card where the light can penetrate all sides.

You are dead right, specially reading the Nitrate result, my nitrates are around 20 mg/l and if holding the tube against the card and viewing from the side it appears orange but if viewing with the light facing the tube could be red and 40 mg/l not ideal but holding the tube a few inches away from the card and light facing is orange