Vast Improvement For Api Master Test Kit

I did a search, and did not find this topic, so I am posting in case it is helpful. I have been frustrated by the test tubes in the API kit. The lids are not watertight and I end up slinging solution in droplets all over the kitchen (especially the "touch this and you will mutate and grow gills immediately" nitrate test, after a full minute of shaking).

I work in a marine lab and was given an alternative. They are plastic, flat bottom, and SCREW TOP (that's the important part) test tubes. Mine are 10 ml, with each ml marked on the side (so, 5 ml is half the tube, like API). They are for use in a centrifuge, so are definitely sling-friendly. The color is easily readable (also, this is what they are made for). I'm sorry that you guys can't get a lab tech to slip you some, but Amazon has similar ones here:



Scientific suppliers have them, also, but you usually have to order in bulk. This is a pack of 10. I'm not trying to shill for Amazon, they are just the closest match I could find. You won't believe how much better testing is with the screw tops. They wash out well, also.

 

Fellow biotechnologist here! The test tubes frustrated me beyond belief as well, so I definitely got some proper ones through the lab and some handy dandy transfer pipettes as well!

 

I might have to look into those, I too have problems with them leaking as well as breaking. Thanks for sharing!

 

These don’t ship to Canada, what a shame

 

Thank you, I will look into. I, too, hate the nitrate test. I wrap a paper towel around the tube at the cap area when I have to shake that one!

 

I hate them so much.

They have digital tests for PH that I want soon but not others... guess I’ll keep staining my counter yellow and blue lol

 

Take a look at the Amazon reviews.
"Jess" bought them for aquarium testing and says they leak.

I agree with the leaking API tubes.
I find them really bad when doing the GH and KH tests because you have to 'uncap, cap, shake" for every drop of solution added.

 

Take a look at the Amazon reviews.
"Jess" bought them for aquarium testing and says they leak.

The other reviewers said they worked fine. As long as they have two threads, it's not going to leak, unless you are in maybe a zero-g atmosphere, or riding in a centrifuge (And actually, that's my point -- if they are made for a centrifuge, they will NOT leak. Bet "Jess" didn't wipe the excess liquid off the tube first.

Anyway, mine look identical, and work fine. FWIW.

 

The Fluval Kit does not have this leaking problem.

 

The Fluval Kit does not have this leaking problem.

Thanks for the tip. I’m due to replace my almost empty ammonia test....I’ll try the fluval test

 

The Fluval complete kit is $80. That's the cost of four API tests, which work perfectly well except for the test tubes. I don't understand what would justify that much of a cost difference (but would be interested to hear). It's probably a matter of parameters what are not as critical to my small freshwater tanks as, say, a delicate reef tank.

 

The other reviewers said they worked fine. As long as they have two threads, it's not going to leak, unless you are in maybe a zero-g atmosphere, or riding in a centrifuge (And actually, that's my point -- if they are made for a centrifuge, they will NOT leak. Bet "Jess" didn't wipe the excess liquid off the tube first.

Anyway, mine look identical, and work fine. FWIW.

I have plenty of leaky nalgene centrifuge tubes in my lab, after a couple of years of autoclaving they stop being water tight. Centrifuge tubes don't have to have great seals as the liquid is away from the lid especially when spinning.

 

Amazon has #000 rubber stoppers that fit perfectly for the API test tubes.

5 for $8 shipped


25 for $13 shipped

 

I have plenty of leaky nalgene centrifuge tubes in my lab, after a couple of years of autoclaving they stop being water tight. Centrifuge tubes don't have to have great seals as the liquid is away from the lid especially when spinning.

After a couple of YEARS in the centrifuge? So they'll probably be okay for that "60 seconds of vigorous shaking" by hand for awhile, I think? Anyway, mine have been great so far, for the benefit of those who don't want to split the atom in their fish room.

 

Never had a problem.

 

The Fluval complete kit is $80. That's the cost of four API tests, which work perfectly well except for the test tubes. I don't understand what would justify that much of a cost difference (but would be interested to hear). It's probably a matter of parameters what are not as critical to my small freshwater tanks as, say, a delicate reef tank.

I bought mine for the same price as the API kit. They make a basic kit.