API Nitrate/Nitrite Testing Problems

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kdrun76;4569989; said:
...To mix a test tube you simply invert it repeatedly. You don't violently fling it about the place! Simply turn it over so that its upside down and right side up about 10 times...
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They leak.
 
Hold on. I am thinking you guys don't understand the definition of "mix a test tube".


To mix a test tube you simply invert it repeatedly. You don't violently fling it about the place! Simply turn it over so that its upside down and right side up about 10 times. That is shaken. Or you can use a commercial test tube mixer.


You do need to violently shake the dropper bottles of nitrate solution, especially bottle #2. Put that lid on tight and violently shake it (slam it into the counter a few times even) before use. But the test tubes do not get violent treatment, they get peacefully inverted a few times.
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The instructions from API say 'vigorously shake for 5 seconds' on all but one maybe two tests. For PH it says to invert several times to mix, the rest (all but I think step one of the nitrates) say vigorously shake.
 
kdrun76;4569989; said:
Hold on. I am thinking you guys don't understand the definition of "mix a test tube".


To mix a test tube you simply invert it repeatedly. You don't violently fling it about the place! Simply turn it over so that its upside down and right side up about 10 times. That is shaken. Or you can use a commercial test tube mixer.


You do need to violently shake the dropper bottles of nitrate solution, especially bottle #2. Put that lid on tight and violently shake it (slam it into the counter a few times even) before use. But the test tubes do not get violent treatment, they get peacefully inverted a few times.
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The instructions say to shake the test tube for one minute. I do shake it well, just like bottle #2. I will try just inverting it over and over and see how that works.
 
API test kits are crap. With that said, they are best crap available, unless you go with a high quality test kit. At $30 for a full kit, you can't complain. A good test kit, like Elos, would cost you about $30 just for the Nitrate kit! All of the others go for $20-$40 each!! :eek:
 
jcardona1;4570181; said:
API test kits are crap. With that said, they are best crap available, unless you go with a high quality test kit. At $30 for a full kit, you can't complain. A good test kit, like Elos, would cost you about $30 just for the Nitrate kit! All of the others go for $20-$40 each!! :eek:
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Yeah not really willing to pay that much:\ API is working fine for me.

The instructions say to shake the test tube for one minute. I do shake it well, just like bottle #2. I will try just inverting it over and over and see how that works.
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Ah yeah thats right, for nitrates you add in bottle 1 & invert the tube multiple times to mix that. Then you shake bottle2 for 30 seconds & add that, then you shake the tube for 1 minute to mix that.

I hate doing that test:screwy:
 
and WHY is the API Phosphate test $30?
I would love to check levels on a friends algae infested 125
but there is no way I'm passing that cost on to him
No RLY it's not mine it's my friends
 
Sent.

Doesn't need to be more expensive, just a better sealing lid. I'm sure there are other viable options.
 
knifegill;4570289; said:
Sent.

Doesn't need to be more expensive, just a better sealing lid. I'm sure there are other viable options.
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hahaha viable vial :clap

thanks jose!
 
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