API nitrate test

[rodger]

I gave up on the nitrate test from API do to inaccuracy and difficulty to read. I started buying LaMotte test strips. No shaking, no difficulty in reading, No worrying if I got the exact amount of water or the size of a drop being not quite right. I bought a years worth on Ebay for about $15.

 

[esoxlucius]

The neptune system may starve your family.

Hey, us hobbyists all have to prioritise when it comes down to spending money on the fish or the family. The wife could do to lose a few pounds anyway!!!!

 

[pops]

I am taking as a give in, she does not read the MFK boards.

 

[esoxlucius]

I am taking as a give in, she does not read the MFK boards.

god no, i'd be swimming with the fishes as they say!

 

[pops]

LoL

 

[sunnysjourney]

Has anyone used a nitrate test kit not made specifically for aquariums? I'm thinking of ordering a nitrate test kit from Industrial Test Systems waterWorks (from amazon). it was around 16 bucks including shipping and it has 50 test strips. Personally I find it harder to compare the colors of the water in a test tube with the colors on a chart vs comparing a test strip dipped in water. I know API makes test strips as well, but I can never tell the difference between the colors on it either.

 

[pops]

not a test strip fan my self, they are less accurate.

 

[888fish]

I use the Salifert brand.

 

[duanes]

I used Fisher Scientific brand test strips in the lab (and at home) when we needed fast and dirty results.
And when I compared them to the titration method in the lab they were very close.
Most of the scientific strips are made to meet EPA standards for drinking water and waste water testing need to be very accurate to be approved.

 

[markstrimaran]

I use this. I have it on my phone and hold the bottle in the white between the colors.
Just keep the background on full brightness.
I would say it is good with in 5 ppm.