How Do You Read Water Test Results?

[Clarousel]

Having a little trouble reading the ammonia results. Can't tell if it's truly yellow or has a slight green tinge to it.

Do you put the tube against the card with the tube touching the card or not? When I do that it's yellow but when I don't it looks slightly green. I'm so confused I end up staring at it for 5 minutes

 

[stu40]

don't tell me, API kit? never could read those.i usually hold up against a window, and view through daylight, with the card next to it.

 

[Clarousel]

don't tell me, API kit? never could read those.i usually hold up against a window, and view through daylight, with the card next to it.

Yeah. It's driving me nuts. I see.. I tried various ways to compare the colour but when I think it's yellow, it suddenly looks green-ish

 

[fluttermoth]

The API ammnoia test is notoriously difficult to read at very low levels. In daylight (actually outside if you can) with the tube touching the card is the best way I've found.

 

[Clarousel]

The API ammnoia test is notoriously difficult to read at very low levels. In daylight (actually outside if you can) with the tube touching the card is the best way I've found.

Eeks. Alright I'll stick to that! Thanks

 

[marieukxx]

I have the same problem

 

[Clarousel]

It makes you think your eyes are going crazy.

 

[HayzH]

It makes you think your eyes are going crazy.

me 3...but i used the nutrafin test too.....and it wasnt a colour on the card either....i have been holding the tube just away from the card...putting right up against the card makes it darker...this could make readings a fair bit out!

 

[lucasluke]

API isnt really that accurate anyway. It all depends on how hard you shake the bottles, how long for, whether you get the exact 5ml of water in the tube, light levels, how far away the test tube is away from the card, your eyesight and many other things

 

[StandbySetting]

Just get a Salifert kit, problem solved.

 

[stu40]

API isnt really that accurate anyway. It all depends on how hard you shake the bottles, how long for, whether you get the exact 5ml of water in the tube, light levels, how far away the test tube is away from the card, your eyesight and many other things

i've no loyalty to API, they're not even my favourite, but surely that would apply to all/most home test kits?

 

[Clarousel]

API isnt really that accurate anyway. It all depends on how hard you shake the bottles, how long for, whether you get the exact 5ml of water in the tube, light levels, how far away the test tube is away from the card, your eyesight and many other things

Well I have to agree with stu40 that probably all test kits are that way since you're dealing with chemicals and everyone's always prone to human error

Just get a Salifert kit, problem solved.

The shop outside my home sells it but it's way too expensive compare to the API kits.

 

[StandbySetting]

Presumably you're outside the UK? They're about the same price over here, I'm unsure why they're so much more expensive everywhere else.

 

[Clarousel]

Presumably you're outside the UK? They're about the same price over here, I'm unsure why they're so much more expensive everywhere else.

Yep I'm in Asia. I wonder why too over here API Ammonia kits cost around $14-$16 whereas the Salifert is $22.90
I ordered my ammonia and nitrite kits from amazon through a spree and they came up around that price range including shipping and postage charges.