API Testing

[harleyrider]

Over the past 3 months i have bought 2 complete api reef test kits, and 2 complete saltwater test kits all master kits...i do complete testing everyday doing this research and out of 88 days i only had 14 days that any two kits tested the same, i used timers, and went by their book to a "T"...I even got 1 of the kits that has different color charts go figure , thought maybe it was something new, but after lookin it was the second kit i bought,  All bottle are newer than 3/09 so all should be good.. one of the pics im going to post is two of the kits tested at the same time, same water ,same test, 2 different readings, notice the difference in the charts!

[Aquatic Specialists]

If you notice the charts, one is saltwater nitrate and one is freshwater nitrate. Which you are correct they are different colors. Make sure you are checking the right cards. Also what are you rinsing the test tubes in? And are you capping them or using your finger when shaking?

[harleyrider]

Good Catch ... but then that brings up another thing why would the put a freshwater nitrate card in a reef test kit??

[harleyrider]

rinsing in the same water i test with, and as i said testing by their book to a t, yes i cap it, i also use saltwater gloves!

[TechGuy]

[Aquatic Specialists]

I am not sure. All the API reef masters that I have only have saltwater nitrate cards, now if you buy the refills or the the single nitrate test kit it does come with both fresh and salt.

[harleyrider]

I buy complete kits, the only refill i ever bought was from you a Calcium, and i was hoping you see the different in the two cards, thats what is bad i new it when i seen it, but was wondering how many others would use it not being the right one and the only one in the kit, that could be a bad thing!!

[TechGuy]

That is weird. Mine didn't come with both either, atleast not the master kit.

[Aquatic Specialists]

Yeah that could be a bad thing, don't know if that was small mistake or a big one. I have not seen this being an issue, but I will do some research on this matter.

[harleyrider]

yeh i know, i seen the wrong card after i bought it, was just hoping that someone would see the difference in the two, if someone bought that and wasnt paying attention, well you know what could happin, hell i got about 5 grand wrapped up in my system know and i cant afford those kinds of mistake and misreadings, thats why i use 2 kinds of test kits besides the api's i was testing, i do plan on doing the same testing with other brand kits as well, will keep informed with results.

[Kenn]

Just wondering if anyone has done a poll on which test kits members are using.

[Aquatic Specialists]

I just got off the phone with API, they said that it is very unlikely that the freshwater made it into the saltwater kits because they are packed in different warehouses. Freshwater at one establishment and saltwater at another. He did say nothing is 100% though. Also, he said it is possible to get two diffeent readings on the nitrate tests, as with ANY REAGENT OF ANY BRAND, if you happen to not shake with the same consistancy getting a thorough mix, suspending the zinc in bottle  exactly the same everytime you will get more liquid than the zinc which makes them irrepairable. Because your not getting the same consistancy everytime, losing more liquid than zinc. He did say that it will not affect the results to much until your getting towards the end of the bottle.

[harleyrider]

You said something about the refills having both cards?? Did he say which building they were packed at?? and yes i agree with him as far as you could get 2 different readings if you dont follow the instruction, but if you do you shouldt get two different readings, and i do agree with him about as the bottle runs out you will get different readings, from what i found around a little more that half the bottle gone your reading start to differ.