Bigjohnwoody Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Ok So I bought API test kits for ammonia nitrite and nitrate! I seem to like the simplicity of all of them except the Nitrate test! I shake the bottle as it says in the instructions follow them too a T and then when I shake it for the minute it seems to start leaking all over the place. I have done it twice with diff test tubes and caps, both times it starts leaking everywhere. What am I doing wrong? Can I just put my finger over the top or will that mess with the readings? The other kits don't seem to leak but I only shake them for 5 seconds! I bought Salifert for my Cal, Alk, Mag and a Hanna meter for Phos. Please help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Scott Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Your finger will likely change the results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeFit Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 get an elos test kit. much more accurate and easier to read the chart than API. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Ok So I bought API test kits for ammonia nitrite and nitrate! I seem to like the simplicity of all of them except the Nitrate test! I shake the bottle as it says in the instructions follow them too a T and then when I shake it for the minute it seems to start leaking all over the place. I have done it twice with diff test tubes and caps' date=' both times it starts leaking everywhere. What am I doing wrong? Can I just put my finger over the top or will that mess with the readings? The other kits don't seem to leak but I only shake them for 5 seconds! I bought Salifert for my Cal, Alk, Mag and a Hanna meter for Phos. Please help![/quote'] Grab another Salifert for the Nitrate, soon you wont even need the Nitrite so the API will suffice until then, just try swirling the vial instead or press FIRMLY on the cap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harold B Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Plus 1 on the swirl, mine leaks a little also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racefan Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I put a small chunk of saran wrap (doubled up) over the top of the vial then put the cap on & it seals it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigjohnwoody Posted December 11, 2010 Author Share Posted December 11, 2010 So the swirl is enough to get the proper reading? I like the saran wrap idea as well! I thought about doing that but thought it might affect the reading! Thanks everyone for the input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I just use my thumb to hold the cap down tight. As Brad mentioned your not going to need the nitrite (or ammonia) tests for more than a couple of months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigjohnwoody Posted December 11, 2010 Author Share Posted December 11, 2010 I understand I won't need the ammonia and nitrite for very long but the one I am having problems with is nitrate! I tried holding the cap down really hard! Maybe I am pushing to hard and warping it and not causing it to seal properly. Lol! I will probably just get a Salifert or Elos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 +1 on the swirling, it's all I've ever done with any of my tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 +1 on elos or salifert. They are all I use anymore! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby1212 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Plus 1 on the thumb holding the cap real tight. Mine does the same thing but when I sqeeze it real tight with my thumb and finger it doesn't leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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