Salifert NO3 confusing result

[Matt Carden]

I just tested my Nitrates using a new Salifert test kit with expiration of 7/21. I retested with same results both tests. Thes result is a yellow/orange color instead of pink. First test
Second test
Side view showing color of fluid in test vial

 

[Retro Reefer]

That’s strange, all the test I have ever done with them have always been either clear or a shade of pink

 

[Matt Carden]

Bump

 

[Matt Carden]

Bump

 

[Dramad1]

I use the red sea kit, different kit I know, but when conducting this test with the salifert kit is there a aloted time to wait before checking results?
I know in the beginning of my red sea test, I get a similar color as you have gotten. Having said that there is an allotted wait time before checking final results. The color always changes after the allotted wait time for me on my kits.
Is it possible you may have missed a step? Is there a way to test high and low range with the salifert kit by diluting the aquarium sample in ro/di water?
If so, I would maybe try this route and check results.
Just an idea to try and help?

 

[Matt Carden]

I timed the second test exactly.

There is a higher sensitivity test just doubling everything I would think the sample would be clear or very slightly pink if needed the higher sensitivity test.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm not sure why it is a slightly different color that the card suggests.

 

[Dan_P]

If I saw a result like that, I would be wondering...

Did I follow the steps in the correct order
Is my reaction vessel or are my dosing spoons contaminated
Are my reagents contaminated or did I cross contaminated them

I would interpret the color as some sort of chemistry having taken place.

I would dissolve a scoop of each reagent in RO/DI water and determine if either produces a colored solution. They should be clear. Before disposing these solutions, mix the two. Still colorless?

 

[Mal11224]

I use salifert and have never gotten that color. Was always a shade that you see on the card. I would sterilize that cup with hot water and try again.
Should be 1 ml of tank water
4 drops of solution
1 spoonful of reagent
Swirl the mixture for 30 sec. then wait 5 min.
If you get the same result, the kit is likely faulty.

 

[Matt Carden]

I will try to sterilize and retest. thank you @Dan_P

 

[Matt Carden]

I cleaned and sterilized the test. Same results as before. I have only had this kit for a month. 3 tests performed with readable results before these last 3 failed tests so it seems to me the reagents are not the problem. I just verified that the vial, spoon and syringe being cleaned and sanitized prior to this tells me there is nothing wrong with my test kit.

I am wondering if maybe something in my water could effect the test. The tank is in it's 5th week of cycling. I recently added sand from brs and some chaeto and "reef lemonade" from LFS.

 

[JimWelsh]

Please tell us more about this "reef lemonade".

 

[Matt Carden]

Supposed to be phyto, pods, rotifers and brine

 

[Dan_P]

I cleaned and sterilized the test. Same results as before. I have only had this kit for a month. 3 tests performed with readable results before these last 3 failed tests so it seems to me the reagents are not the problem. I just verified that the vial, spoon and syringe being cleaned and sanitized prior to this tells me there is nothing wrong with my test kit.

I am wondering if maybe something in my water could effect the test. The tank is in it's 5th week of cycling. I recently added sand from brs and some chaeto and "reef lemonade" from LFS.

My conjecture: something contaminated the reagents. The only way to check my idea is to test some other water that contains nitrate.

 

[Super Fly]

My conjecture: something contaminated the reagents. The only way to check my idea is to test some other water that contains nitrate.

This