Which test kit to trust....

[agitato]

Hi all,

Was doing nitrate test and i IBS bought a new test kit to try.

I have 2 API nitrate test kits - one old and one brand new

and

1 Tetra nitrate test kit.

Here is the very surprising test results.



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Now.. the magic question... who is correct?

[ethanleow]

whoa 2 different results. and result far apart

[finclk]

Hi bro, do a search. We discussed this a couple of times liao. Logically since u r doing a nitrate test, do u think u hv such a low nitrate level? Even if u use alot of denitrators n plants to suck up excess nitrates, it's unlikely u will hv such low nitrates.

Api makes great products. But their api test kits give error results which ive highlighted before n many hv discussed from eons ago.

Stick to sera or tetra to be safe.

[agitato]

Hi all,

I just redid the test with API kit. This time, for all those steps which require vigorous shaking, i really shook it vigorously.

This time, the reading was very close to the Tetra kit.

I think its more the person doing the test not doing it properly hence the inaccuracy... time for water change!

[jerome9731]

hi u can try out salifert, i used this brand when i was into marine. pretty accurate imho.have expiry date written on them. review for them are good, just that a bit ex only.

Bro, To get the correct results from API NitrAte kit, you must exactly follow the instructions. That is important because Bottle #2 has a metal catalyst that precipitate on bottom.
So shake the bottle #2 vigorously to get an accurate result.

[fuici80]

API test kits are pretty reliable if all directions are followed correctly.

[angelo]

Originally Posted by finclk

Hi bro, do a search. We discussed this a couple of times liao. Logically since u r doing a nitrate test, do u think u hv such a low nitrate level? Even if u use alot of denitrators n plants to suck up excess nitrates, it's unlikely u will hv such low nitrates.

Api makes great products. But their api test kits give error results which ive highlighted before n many hv discussed from eons ago.

Stick to sera or tetra to be safe.

Brother, In term of the liquid solution. Do you know what are the different between API, SERA and TETRA for the same type of water parameters test?

Always user problem lah.

Originally Posted by angelo

Brother, In term of the liquid solution. Do you know what are the different between API, SERA and TETRA for the same type of water parameters test?

Always user problem lah.

Hahaha true. It has been said that difficult to measure NitrAte. Test kit makers developed methods but need extra steps. That is why necessary to follow the exact instructions. Most test kits showing low NitrAte and it mislead the users and ignore the water changes.

[desmondpeh]

End of the day, just do water change safer.