Would It Be Ok?

[Barb82]

If I tested my water and then left it in the tube to compare the colour to the next test to see if it's actually starting to process the ammonia since I'm a bit naff at reading the colour chart. It's an API master kit.

 

[mark.w.jones]

If I tested my water and then left it in the tube to compare the colour to the next test to see if it's actually starting to process the ammonia since I'm a bit naff at reading the colour chart. It's an API master kit.

No you can't leave it. The timings are very important and must be stuck to when taking readings. All I can suggest is standing under a bright light in your house and holding the test tube infront of some white paper or card. This helps you see its true colour. Then put the colour card right beside the tube and pick the closest match. Sometimes doing it outside when it's sunny also makes it easier. Maybe consider getting a 2nd opinion if youre not sure.

 

[rdd1952]

I have done that without much problem. The timing is important in that you need to let it sit long enough to change colors to begin with but once it has turned yellow, blue, green, whatever it is, the color shouldn't change anymore. The color will stay from one day to the next so you can compare. The down side is that because the high levels are so dark (green for ammonia and pruple for nitrite on my API kit), it can stain the inside of the tube. I got mine washed out but it took snaking a clothe down in the tube and twisting it around.