Info To All Using Api Master Kit

[Sarah5098]

After reading about some dodgy nitrate readings did a search on ebay and this is what API said about their nitrate test:

Liquid Nitrate Test Kits from any manufacturer can have a common problem
with their last test solution. For some companies, it is bottle number
3, but for us it is bottle number 2. One of the ingredients wants to
solidify out of liquid solution. If the test bottle sits for any period
of time, this can happen. If this does happen and the test is performed
without Bottle # 2 mixed properly, then you can get a falsely low
reading. I have never heard of falsely high readings with Nitrate Kits.
I would try tapping your Bottle # 2 a few times on a table or counter
top. This should loosen-up anything that has solidified. Then I would
shake this bottle for about 2-3 minutes, to really mix it up. Try the
test again and hopefully this will fix your problem. With regular weekly
usage, this bottle should only need to be shaken for 30-60 seconds.

Always check results at the recommended duration of time. Letting the
tubes sit longer can result in falsely high levels."

I then asked if heating the nitrate test solution #2 would help get the material back into solution and got this reply:

"I don't think heating is necessary, plus I don't want to degrade the
chemicals in any way. Tapping your Bottle # 2 a few times on a table or
counter top and then shaking should be adequate, but you will
immediately know with the next test."

 

[arobinson1984]

I use the API master kit and so far havent had any probs with the nitrate readings. I always shake bottle no 2 for 30 seconds then he test tube for 1 min after adding bottle no 2, as directed in the instruction manual.

Most fish will quite easily tolerate the levels of nitrAte that the test measures upto anyway so a slightly inaccurate test won't make 2 much difference.

Andy

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, my father-in-law was a dye chemist and confirmed a lot of the things said above. The shaking times that API gives are probalby "minimal" and if you have the patience to shake longer that is only likely to help, including whacking that particular one of the Nitrate(NO3) test bottle pair that gets the solids (I've experienced that, getting solids stuck in the tip, as I'm sure many other members have) stuck. On all liquid-reagent-based tests, the final wait times should be observed carefully. During fishless cycling when doing a lot of tests, I found that those little kitchen timers that hang around your neck on a lanyard were very helpful at freeing me up to run around doing other things during the waits.

~~waterdrop~~