5ml Test Tubes

I have an API test kit and the test tubes do not seal well. They leak when I'm shaking them. Can someone recommend an alternative?

 

Yeah that’s the bad thing about the liquid test. I usually just cover it with a napkin to prevent that. I press down on to the top too.

 

Pressing down doesn' help. I can' help but imagine leaking, even if soaked up with a napkin/paper towel, could affect the reading.

 

I was bad at breaking the test tubes and came across these at Michaels. Glitter shakers, 6 for a buck and some change. I'm sure any craft store, probably Wal Mart would have

 

I was bad at breaking the test tubes and came across these at Michaels. Glitter shakers, 6 for a buck and some change. I'm sure any craft store, probably Wal Mart would haveView attachment 447668

I use the SR Aquaristik Speed Test Kit Mixer which comes with short wide vials and lids, however with this mixer you don’t need to use the lids as the magnetic stirring can be controlled so that it does not splash out. The vials even have a 5ml mark on them just like the API ones so there is no issue using their chemistry to complete your tests. Works great for me!

 

I found some nice Hagen ones, but they are rounded on the bottom. Now I need to find a small holder.

 

Once again, the SR Aquaristik Vials are flat and you can place them upside down on a normal vial holder to dry. And no, I don't work for SR just very happy with their product, however I have noticed a huge increase in the price this year.

 

I was wondering about this myself--the API ones seem to be terrible. I've reduced the volume I use (I measure with a syringe), but I am currently doing daily tests on 2 aquariums, and soon will be doing 3, so I was looking into buying more tubes. Thanks for the links

 

I just don’t use the lids and cover them with my finger.