Can't read the API master test, any assistance would be appreciated

[VanJuarez]

Hey all, I'm having some issues being able to read the ammonia and nitrate in the api test kit.

They look slightly different in the picture I think than real life. Darker I believe, but what do you guys think that these would read as, I thought the ammonia was 0 and nitrate at 5, but I really cannot tell. Thanks!

 

[Mav88]

From here it looks like .25 ammonia and 4th down nitrate, but as you said they may look darker in the photo, should be easier for you to tell if you place the test kit directly in front of the colors and the one color block you have the hardest time seeing is the result.

 

[nukemdanno]

Ammonia looks .5ish ppm, Nitrate looks 5ish ppm.

 

[VanJuarez]

From here it looks like .25 ammonia and 4th down nitrate, but as you said they may look darker in the photo, should be easier for you to tell if you place the test kit directly in front of the colors and the one color block you have the hardest time seeing is the result.

Ah, do you put the vials right against the paper? I thought that maybe the shadow would affect the color.

 

[jas111]

I would agree with .5 ammonia and Nitrate being the 4 one down.

 

[Mav88]

Ah, do you put the vials right against the paper? I thought that maybe the shadow would affect the color.

a little offset of the category you are reading, if it is still difficult put a light behind it.

 

[VanJuarez]

a little offset of the category you are reading, if it is still difficult put a light behind it.

Great thanks! And thank you to everyone else as well!

 

[brandon429]

we need a tank pic though, those readings above can't help us discern your cycle.

we have about 200 examples of full running reefs with those numbers above, but a tank pic can narrow down your ammonia much better than that kit.

if it shows certain details in the pic, we can see you are done cycling even having no details on that part so far.


and if its missing those details, with three questions answered, we'll still know your cycle completion date having never used the test kits above to find it.