Storing Test Vials

Rattzreef · Sep 16, 2018

I've recently taken to storing all my Red Sea test vials from my kits and storing them filled with a vinegar/water solution till I use them again. I noticed before I started doing this that some vials, particularly my Magnesium and Calcium vails, would get a crusty white film in them that wouldn't rinse away after each test. I always felt that this could cause inconsistencies in the results from this residue and so I started storing them filled with a 2:1 vinegar/water solution a few months ago and have noticed that this both, keeps the vials crystal clear, and also prevents any residues from adhering to the vials.

A quick rinse under that tap before use is usually plenty to clean the stored solution out (I usually rinse my test vials out with tank water before testing anyway) and I found that a squirt bottle like the ones used in restaurants for condiments work perfectly to fill them up without mess. Screw the caps back on tightly and store till next use.

Does anyone else have different ways to store and clean their test kit vials to assure more accurate test results? Just curious.

GoVols · Sep 16, 2018

Sounds like you've got a great method.

Got a local friend that stores his (phos) Hanna ULR Checker / vial's in RO/DI water.

Rattzreef · Sep 16, 2018

I used to store them with RO/DI as well but it never did much for the residue buildup.. once I started using vinegar solution it disappeared..

jsker · Sep 16, 2018

I wash them in the dishwasher with high heat to clean them. I rinse the cuvettes and beakers with ro/di before testing. I use fresh syringes with the reagents and water samples every test, and stir everything with a stirrer. I also use disposable pipette tips. I have found this to give the most consistent numbers.

GoVols · Sep 16, 2018

jsker said:
I wash them in the dishwasher with high heat to clean them. I rinse the cuvettes and beakers with ro/di before testing. I use fresh syringes with the reagents and water samples every test, and stir everything with a stirrer. I also use disposable pipette tips. I have found this to give the most consistent numbers.

jsker,
Gotta love your test kit stirrer... ;Singing

Do you have a link to where you bought it?

Velcro · Sep 16, 2018

No reason to store them in solution.

After testing, dump whatever is in them and fill/dump 3 times with tap then fill and dump 3 times with RODI. Store upside down to dry

Rattzreef · Sep 16, 2018

Velcro said:
No reason to store them in solution.

After testing, dump whatever is in them and fill/dump 3 times with tap then fill and dump 3 times with RODI. Store upside down to dry

I did that for years. and threw away many test vials that were etched with calcium and magnesium residues. even after rinsing multiple times. I use Red Sea Test kits so I only reorder reagents when necessary which do not come with replacement vials. I just figure this is an easy way to insure they are clean and for my needs steril-ish. I agree there's really no NEED to do it.. Aside from my own piece of mind. I was just curious if anyone else does things similar.

Velcro · Sep 16, 2018

Calcium and mag after rinsing with RODI? Somethings off. The procedure I outlined is what labs do for glassware that is exposed to high concentrations of salts and never get encrusted.

Rattzreef · Sep 16, 2018

Very true. Labs can also throw away and replace their vials whenever they do eventually get encrusted. Simply rinsing never seemed to get everything regardless of how many times I rinsed them. There was always something left. And no not always RO/DI water was used. So, I switched things up. like stated, for my own piece of mind. I'm guessing you don't store your this way and I thank you for your input.

Velcro · Sep 16, 2018

Rattzreef said:
Very true. Labs can also throw away and replace their vials whenever they do eventually get encrusted. Simply rinsing never seemed to get everything regardless of how many times I rinsed them. There was always something left. And no not always RO/DI water was used. So, I switched things up. like stated, for my own piece of mind. I'm guessing you don't store your this way and I thank you for your input.

I don't. I work in a lab setting and it all crosses over into this hobby for me

pharazon · Sep 16, 2018

Velcro said:
No reason to store them in solution.

After testing, dump whatever is in them and fill/dump 3 times with tap then fill and dump 3 times with RODI. Store upside down to dry

This.

I have a spray bottle filled with vinegar/water mix, and another with RO/DI. Couple sprays of vinegar solution, rinse with tap, final rinse with RO. Takes seconds and I never have residue.

Back where it all began · Jun 23, 2019

As a new sailor, I noticed my cuvettes becoming cloudy and the film hard to remove. The above suggestion of vinegar/water is so nice and easy to use.
On a different loop, one that no doubt has been done before, it’s a little challenging to see different colors when using the cards.

ZoWhat · Jun 23, 2019

I use 99% rubbing alcohol

.

Irishman · Jun 23, 2019

Rattzreef said:
I've recently taken to storing all my Red Sea test vials from my kits and storing them filled with a vinegar/water solution till I use them again. I noticed before I started doing this that some vials, particularly my Magnesium and Calcium vails, would get a crusty white film in them that wouldn't rinse away after each test. I always felt that this could cause inconsistencies in the results from this residue and so I started storing them filled with a 2:1 vinegar/water solution a few months ago and have noticed that this both, keeps the vials crystal clear, and also prevents any residues from adhering to the vials.

A quick rinse under that tap before use is usually plenty to clean the stored solution out (I usually rinse my test vials out with tank water before testing anyway) and I found that a squirt bottle like the ones used in restaurants for condiments work perfectly to fill them up without mess. Screw the caps back on tightly and store till next use.

Does anyone else have different ways to store and clean their test kit vials to assure more accurate test results? Just curious.

I have the same thing happen with my vials. I’ll have to remember this to get them cleaned out. However I think I won’t store them that way, but I like your method.