How to fill a test kit vile perfectly every time

[Dwl0222]

Hey guys and girls, a few weeks ago while cycling my tank I had an idea. There had to be an easier way to get the required 5ml of tank water for my API test kit vile. I’m sure some, or maybe even many people do this, but wanted to share because if it helps just a couple people then it was worth my time. I thought of and started using medical syringes. I can just dip it in the tank and suck up the exact required amount, and I’m in business in no time. I happened to have extra of these from my daughters meds (this one was brand new), but I’m sure they don’t cost more than a couple bucks. Well worth it imo!

 

[Katie_Ca]

Sometimes I just cheat and use 1 ml and 1 drop instead of the 5 ml with 5 drops like for pH and nitrites.

 

[esoxlucius]

Just be aware, any residue of a previous test can very easily skew the result of a new test. That is why many members on here will quite rightly tell you to thoroughly clean your test vials out after, and again before, a new test. This is relatively easy as the inside of a standard glass test vial is smooth and easy to rinse. That shringe has got nooks and crannies, hence not as easy to clean out.

 

[MrsE88]

I use a syringe too. Though not one exactly like that. I guess I never thought to share that info. But it is very handy.

Just be aware, any residue of a previous test can very easily skew the result of a new test. That is why many members on here will quite rightly tell you to thoroughly clean your test vials out after, and again before, a new test. This is relatively easy as the inside of a standard glass test vial is smooth and easy to rinse. That shringe has got nooks and crannies, hence not as easy to clean out.

The syringe is never in contact with chemicals. Just tank water. And it’s not hard to clean them out since they pull apart to make all areas exposed and easy to clean.
Unless being plastic is the issue?

 

[Rocksor]

I use a syringe too. Though not one exactly like that. I guess I never thought to share that info. But it is very handy.



The syringe is never in contact with chemicals. Just tank water. And it’s not hard to clean them out since they pull apart to make all areas exposed and easy to clean.
Unless being plastic is the issue?

I think the issue would more likely be people forgetting to rinse out the syringes. They just keep taking water samples out of the tank time and time again with no rinsing and cleaning.

 

[MrsE88]

I think the issue would more likely be people forgetting to rinse out the syringes. They just keep taking water samples out of the tank time and time again with no rinsing and cleaning.

Oh, ok. Yeah I could see that being an issue then.

 

[Dwl0222]

Good point everyone, sorry, I should have mentioned that it’s important (and easy) to pull apart and clean/rinse the syringe.

 

[krichardson]

Pretty neat idea,thanks for sharing.

 

[punman]

I use something like a turkey baster but it is small pliable plastic and only holds like 10 ml of water. It squeezes out the water slowly so I can fill exactly to the line.