dont use aquarium pharmaceuticals test kits!

mwatson

mwatson

New Member
I posted a tread 2x days ago, I have about 10 years exp in saltwater tanks, and although i am no expert, I have a good idea on how to keep a healthy tank. I was getting crazy results on my water tests PH/AMmonia/NO2 levels were spot on, My No3 levels were crazy like 40ppm after a %50 water change. I thought maybe it was my water supply, since I moved to a new area of town, but I tested the water and it was 0.
I was using aquarium pharmaceuticals Inc tests. I am unsure if it was a once in a life time fluke, but I took my water in to be tested and the No3 levels were actually 0! Its my fault for buying the test kit at a closer store, not my usual store, but really a test should be accurate, or at least close. when I got to my usual spot they gave me a new test for N03 its made by Instant ocean, its accurate but more $$$, but worth it. Bottom line stay away from API tests!
I have noticed a few others here that seem to have a problem with no3 in their tanks...you might have a problem, but when in doubt and you can not explain it away...have a trusted source test your water, it maybe your test kit!
 
L

lsu

Guest
Did you check the expiration date? Pretty harsh to call them out on a public forum from one faulty test kit.
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
I have been using API kits since I started salt and have been using them for fresh for MANY years. Did you test the right way? You have to add ten drops of the first bottle, shake the tube a little, then shake the second bottle for thirty seconds straight. After you add the ten drops from the second bottle you have to shake the test tube for one minute straight, then wait five minutes for the results. I have never had a problem with mine. I do also own a Red Sea kit that I have tested it against. If you did it right then check the expiration date.
 
camfish

camfish

Active Member
It was probably just one faulty test kit, don't dis the makers, everyone makes a mistake once in a while...
 
atrialfib22

atrialfib22

Member
I use API's saltwater master kit and their reef kit. No problems at all...after double checking my test results against tests done at my LFS they were the same. The only thing i don't like about them is the caps that come with the test tubes will sometimes leak when you shake em. I just make sure I have an old towel over my shoulder when I do all the testing.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
I haven't had any issues with API tests coming out differently than other kits and I've tried a couple different brands.
 
reefkprz

reefkprz

Active Member
there can be a thousand reasons a test kit can go bad that have nothing to do with the manufacturer, such as excessive heat or cold (during shipping in a warehouse etcetera) exposure to sunlight (had a friend that used to set his test kits in the window sill
) and more just plain old old age can skew them. one drop hitting the edge of the test tube half going in half not can skew the test... and so on and so forth.
 
al mc

al mc

Active Member
No problems from me with API NO3 kits except I can not tell the difference between the 'gold' color on the chart......'5' and '10' look almost identical to me.
 
E

enigma1388

Guest
i'm not bashing anyone but i just tested my amonia with api's test and got a color thats not on the chart . . . i tested twice and ended up with the same color.
 
vkuroczka

vkuroczka

Member
I have the same test kit,I've had it since 2005 (is that too long?) and recently my nitrate levels have been through the roof 80ppm.... I've done water changes upon water changes and even used "nitrate removers", I've looked on the box and the bottles and I can't find an "expiration date"... I'm going to take my water the the LFS and have them test it... I'll let you know if the levels change.....
 
al mc

al mc

Active Member
Originally Posted by vkuroczka
http:///forum/post/2579090
I have the same test kit,I've had it since 2005 (is that too long?) and recently my nitrate levels have been through the roof 80ppm.... I've done water changes upon water changes and even used "nitrate removers", I've looked on the box and the bottles and I can't find an "expiration date"... I'm going to take my water the the LFS and have them test it... I'll let you know if the levels change.....
You could also try using it on some 'new' aged water made up for a water change to see if it registers '0'..it should. If it does not you may have a bad test kit.
 
vkuroczka

vkuroczka

Member
Originally Posted by Al Mc
http:///forum/post/2579163
You could also try using it on some 'new' aged water made up for a water change to see if it registers '0'..it should. If it does not you may have a bad test kit.
I have, and it registers as 0 nitrates.... I dunno... just trying to figure out why my nitrates won't go down :0)
 
vkuroczka

vkuroczka

Member
k, well i just had my water re-tested.... nitrates the same..i'll just keep doing water changes... sorry for the bad luck with the test that you had op... hope all goes well :0)
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by vkuroczka
http:///forum/post/2579337
k, well i just had my water re-tested.... nitrates the same..i'll just keep doing water changes... sorry for the bad luck with the test that you had op... hope all goes well :0)
Sounds like you may have dead spots where food is building up and decaying. Do you run a canister? Do you have sufficient flow? How often and what do you feed?
 
vkuroczka

vkuroczka

Member
Originally Posted by socal57che
http:///forum/post/2579432
Sounds like you may have dead spots where food is building up and decaying. Do you run a canister? Do you have sufficient flow? How often and what do you feed?
I have a fluval 404, just did a media change last weekend with a 50 % water change, have an 80 gal FOWLR tank, I suction my coral floor really well, only have a flamehawkfish and 3 turbo snails, I feed him twice a day with frozen shrimp, he gets like 4-6 (they're REALLY small), water flow I have a power head on one side of the tank with pump on other side pumping filtered water, planning on doing another water change this weekend, and we'll see....
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
I also run a canister filter. They require more frequent cleaning. If debris is allowed to build up they become nitrate factories.
Rather than replacing the filter pad, rinse it thoruoughly in the saltwater you removed during the water change. This way you don't throw out your beneficial bacteria that lives in the filter.

I think you need to increase flow as well. One PH and the Fluval are not enough for an 80. It will allow food to accumulate in dead spots usually around the base of your rock or in barnacles.
I think feeding once per day (and even every other day) will help as well. What kind of shrimp do you feed? If brine, you should switch.
How often do you perform your water changes?
How much LR do you have?
 
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