rebeccmh

So, I'm really clumsy and have already broken 3 of the 4 test tubes that came with the test kit. Not wanting to buy a whole other test kit, I emailed API today (and got a very quick, same day response back) asking if it were possible to purchase just more test tubes. It's possible!
Here is the site they gave me for getting replacement parts, http://www.planetrena.com, and here is the specific address for the test tubes: http://rena-aquatics-outlet.planetre...r-Testing.html

Just thought I'd share since I've seen other people talking about how annoying the glass tubes are since they are so breakable.

Tony G.

thanks for the info! this is very helpful! hopefully it gets stickied

Shawnie

most LFS has them also (ive broken a few too LOL)

KyWildFish

All you need are small test tubes that can hold enough fluid for 10ml of solution. I have some bottles I took out of the trash at an old job that I put 10 ml of water and marked the line on the bottle. Its a DIY version of the tubes.

matt6765

I broke one trying to get the water out of it......... lets just say it sliped out of my hand....

Tony G.

you butterfingers!! i havent broken one!!!
* slips.... crack*
oh darn....

bolivianbaby

I've only broken one and I fully blame PlecoPrincess for that one

plecoprincess

lol!:very funny!!!!!!

Tony G.

lol
inside joke?

bolivianbaby

PlecoPrincess is my daughter. I have five tanks and she has two (working on the 3rd), so I made her get her own Fishlore membership so I didn't confuse anyone here when I was asking questions.

Sorry for the confusion.

Tony G.

hahahahah lol i get it now

back to the topic now

rebeccmh

i broke one the very first day i got the kit and broke two more yesterday....down to one now...oops

SCUGrad

You'd think they could make plastic ones

aquarist48

The Tetra Laborette Tesk Kit contains plastic test tubes. However, the kit doesn't have a test for Nitrates. I'm sure plastic ones can be found. I have a bunch of them and they last forever.
Oh, on my last visit to Petco, I was pricing the API Master Kits and noticed that someone had stolen all the test tubes from almost all of the kits. tsk tsk tsk

KyWildFish

Breaking test tubes shouldnt be so easy. You guys need to be more careful with glassware.

As for the plastic it has some issues. Polymers can complex with some solutions and cause bad results, probably why there isnt a nitrate test in the kit mentioned by aquarist. Plastics also tend to scratch easier and make reading and light absorption an issue after many uses. Glass is the best, just be careful with them, and stay out of my lab, ;P.

rebeccmh

I understand why they contain glass ones instead of plastic...it'd just be nicer if glass weren't so breakable
I still need to get new ones. doing tests with only one tube is a pain

eiginh

I like the plastic ones that came with Tetra's kit because it's easier to compare to the sheets rather than the long skinny glass tube. You can probably go to the local market store to buy any glass tubes with milliliter readings.

oceanic75

For all of you that have broke API glass test tube save the plastic caps and put them on the other end of your still intact tube so that you have caps on both ends. If drop it there a better chance it will not break.

rebeccmh

Oceanic, that's a really good idea. I actually did save the caps from mine, so I'll be sure to do that then

kodaodie

Why thank you. Of corse it all depend on how it fall, But it may just help.