I broke my Salifert phosphate test vial

ThePurple12 · Dec 2, 2020

Do I need to buy a new kit, or can I just use one of those API bottles instead? Will it influence the results like it would with the nitrate kit?

brmreefer · Dec 2, 2020

I am thinking it will influence the results because of the differences in the shapes of the test vials.

ReeferWarrant · Dec 2, 2020

Not a fan of that test kit anyways, really can’t tell the difference below .25. I bought the Hanna ULR and haven’t looked back. I just use the Salifert as a sanity check now.

brmreefer · Dec 2, 2020

Agree with ReeferWarrant. I would invest into a Hanna. Color variants in that Salifert just weren't cutting it for me.

Alchameth · Dec 2, 2020

Ya, the depth and size is calibrated to their color chart. If you have another one of their test kits I'd use that one, just rin
se it clean with RO between testing.

KrisReef · Dec 2, 2020

Alchameth said:
Ya, the depth and size is calibrated to their color chart. If you have another one of their test kits I'd use that one, just rin
se it clean with RO between testing.

But get that Hanna ULR. Their cuvettes are almost bulletproof and the results are fantastic once you get used to the testing procedures.

Alchameth · Dec 2, 2020

KrisReef said:
But get that Hanna ULR. Their cuvettes are almost bulletproof and the results are fantastic once you get used to the testing procedures.

Apparently I got a bad batch then because I broke my first culvet on my second test.

Reef. · Dec 3, 2020

If you have something that would give the test liquid the same height when in it that would work, as with that test you are looking down so it shouldn’t matter.

Auto-pilot · Dec 3, 2020

Yeah the amount of water changes how dark it is. From side is for checking it on the lower side like 0-10 ppm straight down is checking it higher side like 10 to 100 ppm. I've stepped on those viles before and had to get a new test. Theres an android app called aquarium note in the tools section of the app they have a color checker where you take a picture and you have three comparison arrows that help take some of the guess work out of collor tests
Edit: the side and front thing are still relevant but I'm pretty sure I'm thinking about nitrate on those ppm numbers

samnaz · Dec 3, 2020

I wonder if they sell cuvettes separately like hanna and api do?

Auto-pilot · Dec 3, 2020

samnaz said:
I wonder if they sell cuvettes separately like hanna and api do?

I've looked before and couldn't find them... kinda sucks. I use their nitrate test and my un organized ADD brain sometimes allows me to just randomly set those right where I accidentally break them..... at one point I had 3 kits and one cup. I made a decision one day to take really good care of that cup and haven't broken it since. Lol

ThePurple12 · Dec 3, 2020

Is the vial that comes with the Salifert nitrate kit the same size+shape? I actually broke the vials from boths kits, so can I kill two birds with one stone and only buy one replacement kit?

;Facepalm

Auto-pilot · Dec 3, 2020

I believe they are the same, I have never compared the two side to side.

slojim · Dec 3, 2020

eh, will it make a difference? Sure. Lets say its 20% off - now your 0.01ppm reading will be 0.012ppm, or your 0.25 reading will be 0.3. I'd measure again as soon as you can after your last good reading, see how far off, and continue on until the test kit is no good anymore. The size difference won't change, so the difference should be consistent.

Alchameth · Dec 3, 2020

ThePurple12 said:
Is the vial that comes with the Salifert nitrate kit the same size+shape? I actually broke the vials from boths kits, so can I kill two birds with one stone and only buy one replacement kit?

;Facepalm

Yes they are the same.

Dan_P · Dec 4, 2020

ThePurple12 said:
Do I need to buy a new kit, or can I just use one of those API bottles instead? Will it influence the results like it would with the nitrate kit?

What are the dimensions of the API bottle?

ThePurple12 · Dec 4, 2020

Dan_P said:
What are the dimensions of the API bottle?

About half an inch diameter, 3 inches tall

Dan_P · Dec 4, 2020

ThePurple12 said:
About half an inch diameter, 3 inches tall

OK, I’ll attempt a solution.

Dan_P · Dec 5, 2020

Dan_P said:
OK, I’ll attempt a solution.

You are referring to the flat bottom test tubes used in the API test. It only holds about 8 mL, the Salifert directions call for 10 mL. That is a no-go.

Any other small glass bottles around the house?