API TEST KITS

[Steve Blum]

I had a little Ammonia spike that hurt my GSP. I checked my Nitrates and they were 80 PPM with an API Kit that is 3 years old. I then filled my test tube with 50% rodi water and 50% Tank water. I ran the test and I still got 80PPM. If the dillution was correct the Test should have read 40 PPM. Should I toss the test kit. Why are Manufacturers not required to put an Expiration date on their Kits?

 

[Dtfnemo]

I had an API kit and it did have an expiration date, it washed off pretty quick tho. Now I use red sea

 

[nereefpat]

API kits do have expiration dates. It seems to me the nitrate level is off the charts.

The test is just a color comparison, and whether it's 80+ppm or a little less than that, it's too high.

 

[Steve Blum]

API kits do have expiration dates. It seems to me the nitrate level is off the charts.

The test is just a color comparison, and whether it's 80+ppm or a little less than that, it's too high.

 

[Steve Blum]

Yes you are correct but I need to know where I am at so I can Track my progress. I have tried water changes and done 3- 25% changes but my test keeps showing 80 PPM. I don't know if I am heading in the right direction because the readings are so inaccurate. I should have been able to reduce the Nitrates to 20 PPM just by water changes. However with the inaccurate API test Kit I can't measure progress. I have ordered some Prodibio Bio Digest. I am going to give it a shot. Just got my Skimmer going so that should help in a few weeks. I may try Vodka dosing if the Prodibio does not work.

 

[Bpain05]

I have an API Test Kit that isn't close to expiring yet that's giving me high Nitrate readings. I was certain it wasn't accurate because I have no nuisance algae and my corals and fish are all thriving. So I got a Red Sea Kit and it's reading 0 ppm for Nitrate. Guess it's time to throw out the API.

 

[Steve Blum]

Thanks for your Info. I am waiting for my new Test kit coming today. I have had nothing but problems with API. Last year I used API Algaefix within 10 minutes it killed all my fish guess what API won't stand behind their Products.

 

[PatW]

API test kits are quick and dirty and inexpensive. Once you get more discerning, you move to one of the other ones.

 

[14 foot reef]

Red Sea Salifert only

 

[Steve Blum]

I tested with a Tetra Kit my readings were worse. Ammonia,), Nitrite .5PPm, Nitrate 160 PPM. I did 50% Water Change and added Prodibio Bio Digest which is supposed to attack Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and waste. We will know how that product performs.

 

[14 foot reef]

i really think your problem is test kit choice. Just my .02

 

[Steve Blum]

yes I will order some Salifert and Red Sea Test Kits. Tetra was a bad choice. I hope to use the Tetra for a ball Park Figure.

 

[RomoFL]

For those using the Salifert, their Nitrate test procedure directs you to look from the top of the vial first.. and if the color looks to be <10ppm you’re supposed to look through the side of the vial because the color is amplified 10 times. The color it matches should then be devided by 10. So some people with this kit may mistakenly read high when looking through the side, a 50 reading should really be 0.5ppm.

My question is, should all of their other kits be viewed top down or through the side?