Lights Used For Test Results

[Kaybear11]

So I am curious what people think are the best lights to use when looking at their test results? I know most people say sunlight but if you have to use artificial lights. I have been using the light on my fish tank since it doesn't give off the yellow tint house lights do. Is that okay or is it actually better to use a bright house light?

I'm asking before I get too excited because I think my eyes or lights might be playing tricks on me. My nitrites have been at 5+ for about a week now, and I have been getting impatient. I tested today and it looks more purple than pink which means it's down to 1 or close to it. I had my boyfriend, who has never looked at my test results, look at it and he thought it was at 1. Any input would be great!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You are probably right. The issue with the lighting is more between yellow and green, not so much purple and blue.


Overall, it really isn't a big deal whether it is a 1 or 2. The point is that it is starting to fall. A single data point doesn't mean that much. The trend is the key.

 

[Randi]

I always gauge my tests by how they look in natural sunlight. It does make a difference.

 

[KISSfn]

Welcome to the forum! Yes, lighting does make a difference. If you must use indoor lights (like this Creature of the Night) then fluorescent lighting is preferred over incandescent. Or is it the other way around? Now I'm confused! Wait, I got it, the fluorescent lights produce more of a white light where incandescent lights produce more of a yellow light. Yeah, that's it!

 

[StandbySetting]

Always analyse the results under the same light, that way you should get consistent results and viewing any changes in water chemistry will be different, you're best off analysing it under day light, or a tube with a colour temperature of 7500ish Kelvin.

 

[Kaybear11]

Overall, it really isn't a big deal whether it is a 1 or 2. The point is that it is starting to fall. A single data point doesn't mean that much. The trend is the key.

That's all I care about too, doesnt matter to me what number it's at as long as it's falling. Can't wait until it hits zero for the first time. Thanks for the replies!