Replacement API Tubes

So I've already broken 1 of the 4 tubes that came with my kit and it sucks having just 3. The replacement API tubes are expensive. I found these on Amazon and at an excellent price. They are similar in size and one reviewer said they used them as a replacement to the API tubes. Has anyone else purchased plastic tubes like this? Any reason these couldn't work? They also don't have flat bottoms, but I don't know if being upright is even important and if it is I can always place them in a cup. Obviously there is no 5ml line but I use a syringe to fill mine anyways. It's much easier!

 

Idk about them being expensive. They're $2.50 at my lfs.

Edit: yikes the API ones ARE expensive.

But anyway, I think if you have a syringe and measure the right amount of water, it should be fine.

 

They would probably work. You can pick up the actual replacement tubes too by the way. API sells them in 25 packs and a few of the local stores around these parts sell them individually.

 

The only thing I could see not working as well as the original glass tubes is that the plastic ones may get stained and discolored over time - especially if it turns a bit yellow, may not give you as accurate readings.

I would stick to the original glass kind if I were you. Maybe go on craigslist or something - people getting rid of their set up, etc. My old lfs had them for $1.00 a piece. Might try your lfs?????

 

API replacement are $22.40 for 24 on Amazon vs $4.50 for 24 for these. I would ideally love to have 9-10 in use at a time as I've got 2 tanks to test and questionable tap water that needs testing during water changes. There are plain glass ones for sale on Amazon as well at about $5 for 10, but I like the idea of plastic and them not breaking when I drop them. I'm clumsy and drop things a lot and with 3 kids and 2 dogs rubbing around I hate thinking I missed a piece!

 

API replacement are $22.40 for 24 on Amazon vs $4.50 for 24 for these. I would ideally love to have 9-10 in use at a time as I've got 2 tanks to test and questionable tap water that needs testing during water changes. There are plain glass ones for sale on Amazon as well at about $5 for 10, but I like the idea of plastic and them not breaking when I drop them. I'm clumsy and drop things a lot and with 3 kids and 2 dogs rubbing around I hate thinking I missed a piece!

How about if you only use the plastic ones so many times and then toss them for fresh ones? Would that work?

 

Possibly but I'm not horribly worried about them staining since I don't leave the samples in long after the 5 minute period. But if they did discolor after awhile it would probably still be cheaper than replacing every time I drop one. Essentially I can buy over 100 of these for the cost of just 24 API tubes. Might give it a shot. Worst case I'm out $4.50 and my kids have something new to get creative with.

 

I broke 3 and decided I would suck up the cost for the API 24 pack...

Afterall, if ive already broken 3 what are the chances I won't break more - itll happen lol

 

I think I got my API 24 pack for a little under $15 on eBay.