How do you read your API test results?

[W0terMoist]

I have an API Reef Master test kit and was wondering how other people read the results. For some of the tests like the KH test, it says you can look down the tube to determine the color. However, looking down the tube usually has a hugher reading color vs looking at it from the side.

How do yall look at your results, from the top or from the side?

 

[sfin52]

Like a grain of sand. There are much better test kits. They will get you in the ballpark just not to 3rd base and definitely not home

 

[snorklr]

they seem to work best if you close your eyes and just imagine the color

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

From the side, held right on the white part of the card. The instructions say to use them that way. If used correctly API kits work good. Some people don't follow all the directions.

 

[sfin52]

From the side, held right on the white part of the card. The instructions say to use them that way. If used correctly API kits work good. Some people don't follow all the directions.

Its not just that but it's not as accurate as some other tests. Alk just gives you full points for auto dosing this is just not acceptable.
*I switched to selifert for alk
Calcium test is a good test
*still use*
Ph it's hard to distinguish the colors.
*I stopped checking*
Ammonia api can give a false reading.
*Don't use any more*
Aquaforrest for magnesium

 

[vetteguy53081]

hanna and salifert are reliable and user friendly

 

[ABQ_CHRIS]

I held them on the white right next to the colors. I didn't find them awesome due to the level of uncertainty. I love the digital readouts of the Hanna checkers.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I have an API Reef Master test kit and was wondering how other people read the results. For some of the tests like the KH test, it says you can look down the tube to determine the color. However, looking down the tube usually has a hugher reading color vs looking at it from the side.

How do yall look at your results, from the top or from the side?

I imagine a tropical island beach somewhere, and then pick one of the colours I just imagined.

They're not a very useful test kit, and the best thing you can do with them is chuck it in the trash and buy some salifert kits.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Its not just that but it's not as accurate as some other tests. Alk just gives you full points for auto dosing this is just not acceptable.
*I switched to selifert for alk
Calcium test is a good test
*still use*
Ph it's hard to distinguish the colors.
*I stopped checking*
Ammonia api can give a false reading.
*Don't use any more*
Aquaforrest for magnesium

I agree the API kits shouldn't be used for dosing. They are good for beginners who don't require dosing in a new, or softy tank, and give a general reading. I have API, Salifert, Hanna, and Neptune Trident. I use different ones as a backup, if something seems off.

 

[W0terMoist]

hanna and salifert are reliable and user friendly

Thanks to you and the rest of the people who replied and gave valuable input.

I have a mixed reef with a decent amount of stony corals and a growing clam so KH and calcium are the two on my watch list. Do you think having a hanna checker for calcium and KH is good, if so, do you have any input for test kits for other water parameters.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks to you and the rest of the people who replied and gave valuable input.

I have a mixed reef with a decent amount of stony corals and a growing clam so KH and calcium are the two on my watch list. Do you think having a hanna checker for calcium and KH is good, if so, do you have any input for test kits for other water parameters.

My pleasure and precise readings are of value
I’ve seen too many over the years adjust their parameters and encounter issues to find due to false readings
For coral, dkh and phosphate and calcium are essential