Faster Nitrate test available?

I'm currently using API Master Test Kit which includes Nitrate tests (liquid). But....it is 2 bottles, you put 10 drops in of one, then shake the other bottle for 30 seconds, then add 10 of those, then shake the test tube for one minute, then wait 5 minutes for results. Then you get authorization from the president upon completing an essay in triplicate which explains why you want to test the water. 4-6 weeks later, (No COD, money order only), you will receive the results in binary code and will need a friendly robot to interpret them.

OK, its not horrible but if you do it every day, it can be a bit much. Any quick Nitrate tests available out there?

 

Use test strips, they'll get you close enough to let you know if you need to pull out the liquid test.

 

Paper strips give a consistent result when stored in an air tight jar. The result may be slightly higher than the liquid test but it’s always the same/ it’s consistent.

Why are you testing everyday? It’s only nitrates .

 

Thanks! I'll try the paper tests.

 

Using a razor blade you can cut the test strips in half.

 

I'm currently using API Master Test Kit which includes Nitrate tests (liquid). But....it is 2 bottles, you put 10 drops in of one, then shake the other bottle for 30 seconds, then add 10 of those, then shake the test tube for one minute, then wait 5 minutes for results. Then you get authorization from the president upon completing an essay in triplicate which explains why you want to test the water. 4-6 weeks later, (No COD, money order only), you will receive the results in binary code and will need a friendly robot to interpret them.

OK, its not horrible but if you do it every day, it can be a bit much. Any quick Nitrate tests available out there?

I have to agree with Flyfisha. Why are you testing nitrates every day?

 

And you can make your nitrate liquid go twice as far, meaning twice as many tests by running the test on 2.5mls of water instead of 5mls and just add 5 drops from each bottle.

You can save yourself a couple of seconds by just giving the test tube a quick shake after adding drops from the first bottle. Your still stuck with shaking the test tube a full minute after adding the last drops though.

I agree, in a case like this when the test is being run so often test strips will be quicker. They will degrade over time due to the moisture in the air so try to remove one quickly and close the container as quickly as you can.

I have to agree with Flyfisha. Why are you testing nitrates every day?

I agree with both of y'all and was wondering this too.

 

OK, lol......
I'm not testing every day. I need to test in quick succession because I am using an active substrate that cycled the tank for me and after flooding a dry start, I was doing repetitive 50% water changes until I got the Nitrates to where I wanted for fish and it got tedious testing the NO3. I was essentially just asking for future reference and general knowledge, lol. No, I'm not testing for Nitrates every day, I should have said every day until....x.