gradth Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 So I have 2 different api nitrate test kits. 2 very different results. Ones older then the other, but dont remember which. One reads about 5 ppm and the other like 80ppm. I dont think my nitrates are that high, but now im wondering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hozer21 Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I don't know I think it would be hard to say for me. Maybe retest?? I had the same thing happen to me a while back and I just did a water change and called it good and retest as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Test some distilled water with both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gradth Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 Test some distilled water with both Ahh, good ideaDOH! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gradth Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 So I dont get it. With distilled water Looks like a match. With samples taken the same time, a little closer but still not the same. Strange. Guess I will just have to invest in another brand of tests to get a different opinion.(scratch) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 They both work when is 0 lol Find somebody to compare the result with. Probably you have the 2nd bottle gone bad or you have an old API test kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeFit Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 switch to elos brand test kits. API's have always worked for me when i used them, but i've never really seen them as a high quality test kit. they were always hard for me to read accurately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I have had problems with contaminated tubes and lids providing false readings. Take some water to a LFS and compare with their kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TidePool Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 I use API for some of my testing, but for nitrates I prefer the SERA test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gradth Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Im probably do for new tests all around. They are just so darned expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electrokate Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Did you try using the tubes with the opposite test kits to rule out the tubes being contaminated? New tubes are cheap... I know at least one API kit will leave a residue that throws the other tests but can't remember which it is so I keep them labeled and don't use each tube for any other kit. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 I say go with a good quality test kit. Either Elos or Salifert. I have used both and been happy with both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fast5oranger Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 if that second test is right, then it looks like you have a nitrate problem. I'd do a water change immediately if that test is accuate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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