Api Test Kits Gone Bad?

[McCool]

So the other day I purchased a new API liquid nitrate test kit from my LFS, and after testing a few of my tanks they all said 0. Not possible, so I took the kit back assuming it was just bad. I bought another one from Petco, and it too is showing 0 on my tanks! What's going on? I time everything exactly when I'm testing and do it as it says. My Petsmart has also stopped carrying JUST the nitrate test. They still have the others, but I was told they were done carrying the nitrate one.
What's going on?

 

[McCool]

No one else having similar problems?

 

[tomtomtom1230]

I know that they can go bad after opening, after an allotted period of time much like food goes out of date and becomes unusable. I would get your water tested at your LFS to confirm the results you're getting and exchange the kit for another if need be.

 

[sadguppy]

They aren't the most reliable, you have to shake them and bang them into submission before they actually show a reading at all I find.

 

[McCool]

I know that they can go bad after opening, after an allotted period of time much like food goes out of date and becomes unusable. I would get your water tested at your LFS to confirm the results you're getting and exchange the kit for another if need be.

All my LFS uses are test strips, so no good there. I just can't believe I've gotten two bad ones. They have always worked perfectly for me

They aren't the most reliable, you have to shake them and bang them into submission before they actually show a reading at all I find.

Other than these last two test,I have never had a problem with them....

 

[MBOU]

I rarely use API tests any more, they are just too unreliable. You can tell just from everyone posting the same thing all the time...

I ALWAYS double check API tests with a strip tests. The strip tests arent accurate but they tend to either prove out the test or show its way out.

The last straw for me was testing someones water who had fish gasping at the surface and red gills and red streaks in fins. To me this is screaming water problems and i know they are well over stocked and outright lying to me about doing water changes

Yet API test read as ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 0-10. I didnt believe to kept waiting for it to change... no change so i retested in clean tubes... same results.... got JBL test strips... Ammonia 2, Nitrite off the scale, Nitrate off the scale (went so dark the colour went past the test strip!).

Got a Superfish Test Strip... retested... Ammonia 2+, Nitrite off the scale.. Nitrate off the scale...

Retest API... 0,0,10. Yeah right... Open a new API test kit as though well within date, test had been open a couple of months and was nearly finished and New API test read as 0,0,20 ?! what!?

Test with API test strips... Ammonia 2, Nitrite top of scale, Nitrate top of scale...


Moral of that story? If even their own brand test strips are more accurate than their liquids... im bloomin well not using the liquid test kits again. Maybe the strips arent great at pinpointing exactly what the levels are but they are great for indicating problems!

JBL liquid test kits are expensive (so are API now mind you!) but last longer and are 100% more accurate.


EDIT: yeah we have a lot of test kits to choose from and the owner of the tank admitted the tank was more like a bowl... and she didnt have a filter... and she did have more than three goldfish in it really... and she emptied all the water out once a month and scrubbed it.... and yes she followed feeding instructions on pot to feed three times a day... and yes... all of her fish died.... *sigh*

 

[ian]

Hobby grade n03 test kits are a complete waste of time...throw it in the bin.

 

[McCool]

Didn't know people thought they were so inaccurate. I always see recommending the API Master Test Kit on here....? O_O

 

[StandbySetting]

API test kits are terrible.

 

[sadguppy]

I believe Ian is a planted man, and therefore would have little use for a nitrate test anyway... They're good as an indication and the ammonia and nitrite tests are indispensable, but I never got my nitrate one to work properly and quite frankly I don't bother now, just keep up with my changes and watch closely for any signs of stress or discomfort.

 

[MBOU]

Yep, people still rate it as really good even though they and many more complain because it isnt working. Last post i saw was by Akasha? having problems possibly with her API kit.

 

[McCool]

Huh. Guess you learn something new everyday.....
Any others y'all would suggest? Preferably one I could get at Petsmart or Petco... Only places even close to me unfortunately.

 

[StandbySetting]

With you being in the US your choices are limited, Saliferts are available but are expensive, not sure if you'll have access to JBL.

 

[McCool]

API test kits are terrible.

With you being in the US your choices are limited, Saliferts are available but are expensive, not sure if you'll have access to JBL.

I'll check next time I'm in to see what they have. Although, I'm some what of an over obsessive water changer, so I don't think my fish are in danger

I believe Ian is a planted man, and therefore would have little use for a nitrate test anyway... They're good as an indication and the ammonia and nitrite tests are indispensable, but I never got my nitrate one to work properly and quite frankly I don't bother now, just keep up with my changes and watch closely for any signs of stress or discomfort.

Yeah, the fish are probably your best nitrate indicator if you watch closely. I change water when I'm bored and have nothing else to do, so they usually have pristine water.