Stupid Error. But Does This Matter...?

[DannyBlackbourn]

I bought an API Master test kit from my LFS and have been using it for testing my water... obviously.

However I was just having a little tidy up when I noticed that the kit is actually the 'Saltwater Master test kit'...

Will this effect my results as I have a freshwater tank?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Whitester]

I don't think the kit tests for Ammonia does it? This is the salt water kit I think it only tests for Phosphate, Calcium, KH and NitrAtes. So I think you have the wrong one. Because I don't see ammonia and nitrItes, nor pH.

 

[DannyBlackbourn]

Nah that's the reef one,

this is the one I have...

http/aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=68

 

[alchemist]

Its the same test solutions in the bottles - but the cards are slightly different colours for ammonia and nitrate.

e.g. - The ammonia test is a brighter yellow for 0ppm on the freshwater card vs. the saltwater card - this is a nasty one as you might think you are at ammonia 2.0ppm but your really at 4+ ppm

The nitrate card is the other way - you might think you are at 20ppm but really 10ppm

The nitrite card is exactly the same - so it would not explain your nitrite problem.

You can see the differences here: (Scroll down to the bottom where the pictures are)

 

[DannyBlackbourn]

Its the same test solutions in the bottles - but the cards are slightly different colours for ammonia and nitrate.

e.g. - The ammonia test is a brighter yellow on the freshwater card and goes green faster on the saltwater card

The nitrite card is exactly the same - so it would not explain your nitrite problem.

You can see the differences here: (Scroll down to the bottom where the pictures are)

I see.

Well thank you for showing me this

At least I dont have to pay any more cash out on another API test kit haha.

 

[waterdrop]

Can anyone else confirm what alchemist is saying? Are we sure the nitrite test in the API saltwater kit is going to really be giving Danny an accurate measure for freshwater? Not questioning alchemist, just concerned for any possible mistake here possibly explaining why its being so hard for him to ever resolve his nitrite levels.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[jmain]

Can anyone else confirm what alchemist is saying? Are we sure the nitrite test in the API saltwater kit is going to really be giving Danny an accurate measure for freshwater? Not questioning alchemist, just concerned for any possible mistake here possibly explaining why its being so hard for him to ever resolve his nitrite levels.

~~waterdrop~~

Thats weird because my freshwater ammonia card looks like the salt water one pictured because I only have 1 yellow on my card

 

[DannyBlackbourn]

I really hope this hasn't effected my water testing...

I would go and buy the Freshwater kit, but really haven't got the cash to do so at the moment!

 

[alchemist]

Can anyone else confirm what alchemist is saying? Are we sure the nitrite test in the API saltwater kit is going to really be giving Danny an accurate measure for freshwater? Not questioning alchemist, just concerned for any possible mistake here possibly explaining why its being so hard for him to ever resolve his nitrite levels.

~~waterdrop~~

I'm just going by the pictures

The nitrite card from my freshwater kit does say 'Fresh and Saltwater Nitrite'

 

[arobinson1984]

Thats weird because my freshwater ammonia card looks like the salt water one pictured because I only have 1 yellow on my card

I think they got the pictures the wrong way around because you're right, the freshwater does only have 1 yellow result which is for 0, then 0.25ppm is a light lime green

Andy

 

[DannyBlackbourn]

oh. DOH!

So does my Nitrite card... thought I my have been using the wrong test kit.

Right so thats out of the question then! I'm so Dumb... how didn't I not even notice this before!

Sorry people!

 

[waterdrop]

Ran across this again and now -I'm- confused . danny, what's your conclusion? Were you using something that was giving you wrong numbers all along or was it ok?

~~waterdrop~~

 

[DannyBlackbourn]

It was ok lol!

I didn't notice that actually my Nitrite testing card says fresh and saltwater. DOH!

Check my progress on my cycle when you get the chance Waterdrop!