Ammonia Dippin' Strips

[planereefer]

So since I've heard bad things about the API saltwater test kit. I figured I'd get something else just to see if the reading match.

When I use the API Ammonia kit, the color looks between 0 and .25 or .5. However when I use the strips from tetra, the instructions say to compare colors immediately. If I do that it reads as 0 all day long, but if i let it sit for 30 seconds it change from yellow to more green indication 1ppm.

Anyone experienced this or am I doing something wrong?

FWIW, I'm about 23 days into the cycle.

 

[Greg@LionfishLair]

The strips are just like the reagent-type tests...the longer you let them sit, the more color develops, which is why you read them at a specific time.

I forget the minimum detection limit for the strips...haven't used them in awhile, but I can tell you that you're kinda going bass-ackwards...you should use the less accurate strips first, then back them up with a reagent test if you see something questionable.

That being said, we've switched over to a digital NH3 meter, and it's a LOT nicer since Renee can read it perfectly instead of trying to discern the colors:

ammonia_zps052d035e.jpg Photo by hixphotobucket | Photobucket

We have finally bitten the bullet, and are now using digital meters for our most-used tests, and it's quite nice.

 

[Greg@LionfishLair]

hmm...that photo didn't post right. However, I can't seem to figure out which link to use. I keep getting "invalid URL" no matter which link I use.

 

[planereefer]

The link worked fine, maybe I should look into a digi for the same reason, lol