How do people read their Sailfert Nitrate tests with low readings

[Jason Collins]

So my tank has been running for around 18 months. I have NEVER once had a reading of nitrates using sailfert test. Last night i dosed about 40ML of brightwell Neonitro in around 105-110 gallon system. I havent tried any other test kits. I've only used Hanna testers and salifert. The directions say to add only 1ML of water to the vile. If you cant see a color change through the top it says to hold it sideways... But with 1ML of solution the water barely even covers the test vile... so im curious how people can use the Low readings looking through the side when its almost like no solution in the vile to compare to the chart. Pictures aren't the greatest quality. I think i have Dino's the dreaded brown sand syndrome and what i read people say low nitrates causes it and I've never had a nitrate reading yet... Except from the cycle 18 months ago. I should probably find a different test kit to help but ive always like the other salifert kits

 

[Potatohead]

They change it for a Red Sea Pro kit ;Smuggrin

 

[Plunker05@gmail]

I have better luck taking mine outside to look at it sideways under natural daylight. Not direct sunlight. Can usually see it pretty well to compare the card colors.

 

[Scurvy]

Yep, View through the side of the vial next to a window as a light source.

 

[greg 45]

I use a LaMotte , cost a few more dollars to start .
Than purchase refill's

 

[Sabellafella]

So my tank has been running for around 18 months. I have NEVER once had a reading of nitrates using sailfert test. Last night i dosed about 40ML of brightwell Neonitro in around 105-110 gallon system. I havent tried any other test kits. I've only used Hanna testers and salifert. The directions say to add only 1ML of water to the vile. If you cant see a color change through the top it says to hold it sideways... But with 1ML of solution the water barely even covers the test vile... so im curious how people can use the Low readings looking through the side when its almost like no solution in the vile to compare to the chart. Pictures aren't the greatest quality. I think i have Dino's the dreaded brown sand syndrome and what i read people say low nitrates causes it and I've never had a nitrate reading yet... Except from the cycle 18 months ago. I should probably find a different test kit to help but ive always like the other salifert kits

I had just bought a salifert nitrate test kit for the first time. I've had the same issue trying to read a 1 ml sample. I still think I will stay using the nyos. I've tried a couple nitrate test so far, and nyos came to be one of my favorites

 

[Dan_P]

Before throwing away the Salifert kit, try doubling the size of the test volume. Use twice the sample size and reagents. Keep the times the same. This would only be valid for the low nitrate range, i.e., viewing through the side of the test vial. This might help.

 

[Jason Collins]

I use a LaMotte , cost a few more dollars to start .
Than purchase refill's

A few more dollars? Lamotte nitrate test kit is 84 dollars?

 

[greg 45]

Low rate nitrate is $53.00 on amazon .
The refill kit is $40.00
Once you use this kit you will throw the others away .

 

[KJAG]

There isn’t a shortage of solution. You simply hold it over the colored square until it blends in with one. See the defined pink line on the 2ppm square? You’re probably still at zero or 1 ppm nitrates.