Cleaning Api Test Tubes

[unknowntbeast]

I've ran in to a little snag. I left the Nitrite water in the tube too long before I did the next test, (To compare the two) and it's kindof baked on. I rinsed it out, it's still there, I let it soak in soap, it's still there, I used the hose nosel Jet setting and it's still there. It's not like it will affect the test, just the color will be a little darker because of the staining on the glass. Any idea's on how to clean this?

 

[squiggley]

I just let it soak for a while and then roll up some kitchen roll to wipe the insides off with

 

[cowboy507]

They sell cleaning brushes for test tubes. They are a small wire with metal brushes on them. You could try these, I would assume that they are fairly cheep.

 

[rdd1952]

I take a paper towel, fold it in half diagonally, turn the point up about 2 or 3 inches, twist it up a little and then stick it down in the tube with a inch or so of water in it. You will have to kind of keep twisting it around and pushing it down but it will do a great job of getting left over stains out.

 

[OldMan47]

You could even set the tube vertically and fill it with tap water. If you let it just soak for an hour or twobefore trying to clean it, you might find the deposits fairly easy to remove with a small bottle brush.

 

[rdd1952]

It's probably not a deposit. I've had it happen before when I missed emptying a tube after a test. It basically stains the glass and soaking doesn't help.

 

[sjolliff]

It's probably not a deposit. I've had it happen before when I missed emptying a tube after a test. It basically stains the glass and soaking doesn't help.

I stained mine with a nitrate test tried with a small bottle brush dint take a bit off but still stain

 

[Leila2]

It's probably not a deposit. I've had it happen before when I missed emptying a tube after a test. It basically stains the glass and soaking doesn't help.

I stained mine with a nitrate test tried with a small bottle brush dint take a bit off but still stain

when I first started using this test kit I dipped the test tube (rinsed after previous use) into the tank to collect the sample water. Now I think this is really a bad idea, having thought about it more, since there just could be a minute residue that you might tip back into the aquarium while getting the level just up to the 5ml mark. Just thought I would warn about this! Better to use something like a teaspoon to fill the test tube and not put any excess back in the tank. A curious little fish like a danio is sure to be in close proximity to where you are getting the water.

 

[rdd1952]

I use a medicine dropper to fill mine. It's a lot easier than trying to fill to the proper level by dipping them in the tank, which I also used to do.

 

[coldcazzie]

I have this problem too with my nitrite test tube - but not with any of the others. I have one of those mini cleaner thingy and it seems to work, but I also do not pour any excess water back in the tank - I now pour it onto my fishtank towel instead. Medicine dropper's a good idea though - will have to see if I have a spare!

 

[toshapetriji]

Fill the tube half full with vinegar shake well for 30 seconds then wash it well

Hey presto

 

[Anna Robinson]

Mars Fishcare (API) sell replacement test tubes, if all else fails!

I don't know what part of the world you're in, but they shouldn't be too expensive.