Can I Double a Salifert Nitrate Test?

[Jib]

My Nitrates have either been zero or very low lately. In effort to try and make the test easier to read, I was thinking about doubling the test so there is more liquid to look at.

Salifert standard test is: 1 ml water, 4 drops, 1 scoop, swirl 30, wait 3 minutes

Salifert Doubled Test : 2 ml water, 8 drops, 2 scoop, swirl 30, wait 3 minutes

Would my modified test still be accurate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My Nitrates have either been zero or very low lately. In effort to try and make the test easier to read, I was thinking about doubling the test so there is more liquid to look at.

Salifert standard test is: 1 ml water, 4 drops, 1 scoop, swirl 30, wait 3 minutes

Salifert Doubled Test : 2 ml water, 8 drops, 2 scoop, swirl 30, wait 3 minutes

Would my modified test still be accurate?

Depends.

Reading down from the top, the value will show as twice as high, so you divide by 2, because there is twice as much distance for the light to be absorbed.

Reading through the side, the color intensity should be unchanged and you can read as usual.

 

[Jib]

Depends.

Reading down from the top, the value will show as twice as high, so you divide by 2, because there is twice as much distance for the light to be absorbed.

Reading through the side, the color intensity should be unchanged and you can read as usual.

Appreciate the thoughts Randy. My Nitrates have been so low that reading through the side is my only option. I'll give it a shot, thanks.