CJBuckeyes
Active Member
Just a heads up for those of you using the Salifert Nitrate test kit. I had a 3 y/o kit that I've been using up until it ran out this week. Yes it was very expired, but still worked fine according to the 10ppm KNO3 reference solution I made. I ordered a replacement, and I always compare the old test kit with the replacement one to note the difference, if any. I was pretty surprise when the old one measured 0.2 and the new one measured 1ppm. After doing the test another time, I noticed that the reacted sample in the two vials were the exact same color, but the reference cards were very different for the 2, 5, and 10 measurements (the lower half of the scale). On the old card the numbers are much darker. The 2 on the old card compares more closely to the 10 on the new card. It doesn't really show up that well in the pics as in real life, but I attached some. The old card is in front.
What could this mean?
1. Salifert significantly adjusted their scale at some point during the last 3 years. Don't know when.
2. My old reference card got much darker with age. In my experience most printed cards tend to do the opposite.
3. Inconsistencies in the printed materials.
I'm guessing it's #1, but wouldn't be shocked if it was #3. Just wanted to post this as a heads up, as I know this is a very popular test kit.
What could this mean?
1. Salifert significantly adjusted their scale at some point during the last 3 years. Don't know when.
2. My old reference card got much darker with age. In my experience most printed cards tend to do the opposite.
3. Inconsistencies in the printed materials.
I'm guessing it's #1, but wouldn't be shocked if it was #3. Just wanted to post this as a heads up, as I know this is a very popular test kit.
