mmmxpoptarts

Brace yourself for a long-ish rant/question:


Well, I wouldn't say I'm a "beginner" but I am definitely new to cycling with pure ammonia and also liquid testing kits.

I'm really confused about the colors I've been getting so I'm hoping anyone with experience with the API master kit can help me out!

Anyway! Today I tested for nitrites, as has been the usually for a little less than 2 weeks. After about 5 minutes the color of the test was a light gray-ish color, which I found bizarre because there is no gray on the color chart. Then I was lazy so I left it out and after about 10 minutes after testing I looked again and it wasn't gray anymore, but it started looking more blue like 0ppm is on the chart. Now, about 15 minutes later, it IS that blue color on the chart. I'm really confused as to whether or not I still have nitrites or if it's at 0 finally! Anybody have any idea?

ynaggo

I've never had a nitrite test kit, but it should say to add drops, shake and wait so and so minutes, make sure you sake the liquid droppers too. Usually says on the back of the color chart how long to wait, if not then the immediate result.

mmmxpoptarts

Yeah, I did all that stuff. It's supposed to show the "result" after 5 minutes but the color kept changing even after 5 minutes. Either way I think I'm just about done with my cycle finally.

Tony G.

Do you know the expiration date of the test kit? API's are usually really reliable

mmmxpoptarts

I looked and couldn't find an expiration date. I feel like I had a faulty reading or something. I already added more ammonia for today, so I guess I'll just have to check again tomorrow and see if it's strange again.

Tony G.

usually the date is the last numbers on the bar code... i think its a number that should end - - 09

Big Fish

You can call API and they will direct you on the freshness of the kit. I thought I had an issue when I first purchased my kit. It was fresh, no issue. Follow the direction on the cards exactly. I have never had an issue with a reading, they typically are bang on and the final color usually sets in much before the 5 minute time guide.

Things I would be careful with:
a) water taken from your tank is level at the line in the tube
b) hold the chemical bottle vertical and make sure each drop is counted and measured. Try to get the drops to fall directly into the water without touching the side of the tube.
c) don't let water dripping from your finger drip into the tube
d) follow the shake instructions as directed

I have been using the kit for a few months with no issue or any false reading. The results I get match samples I have taken to the LFS for comparison.

Good luck.

mmmxpoptarts

I can't find the barcode, I have a feeling it may have gotten thrown away by accident. Assuming it's fresh, I think something must've gone wrong when I tested last night. I'm testing again tonight and hopefully it will make sense.

I always fill to the line, hold the tube while I place the dropper vertically over the tube and squeeze out the right amount of the chemicals. Maybe I shook it wrong or something. Usually my nitrites are dead on though.

Nate McFin

There should be lot# printed in the bottle. The last 2 digits are the year it was manufactured. It is good for 5 years after the date of manufacture.
Do rinse the bottles well too. Its easy to get a false reading if you have residue from the last test in there.
The color will continue to change even after the amount of time you are supposed to wait but the stated time is the color you should look at.

mmmxpoptarts

I timed it yesterday so I was positive I was checking at 5 minutes and not later. I got a solid color that was on the chart. Maybe I was just waiting too long or something.