Nitrate Test Kit

[vanny]

Hi, so I got me a nitrate test kit (API) and I want to know if you could use less reactants to get the same results.
for example: it says
- to use 5 ml of tank water,
- then add 10 drops of bottle 1
- and finally 10 drops of bottle 2
- get results (colour)

so my question is can I add
2.5 ml water with 5 drops bottle 1 and 2 respectively.
would this method result in an incorrect result?
i just want to make it more efficient and faster

I would appreciate an answer from anyone with experience or some chemistry background to answer the question
-thanks in advance

 

[DanTheFishMan11]

i dont think it would make a difference.

 

[vanny]

i dont think it would make a difference.

that's what I thought , but im afraid of those annoying chemistry exceptions
i guess ill give it a try and see if I get the same results.

 

[DanTheFishMan11]

good idea keep us informed

 

[jeasko]

While in theory this will work it makes the test more susceptible to errors as there is less solution meaning that one drop may be slightly more or less than last as its not calibrated, while your not changing the ratio of agents the pipette or bottle won't be calibrated which will have been considered when working out the ratios etc when the test was put together.

Just out of interest why do you want to play about with the test? If its to try and make the test last longer or go further remember that all tests have a use by date!

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Yes you can use half measure, however api nitrate's are pretty poor IMO buy a sailferts one next time for £8

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

Salifert rules!

 

[DanTheFishMan11]

+1.