api freshwater master test kit

[Timber]

I've got an api freshwater master test kit however I got no instructions as to how long to wait for each test. Can someone supply me with the times I have to wait after I put in the last drop of solution. Also can the solutions be halved for longer use and does this effect the times I have to wait.

Regards Timber

[chainsaw]

Hi Timber,

Can read PH straight away, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate wait 5 mins and take readings.

Dont know if I'm correct but I half the quantities for Ammonia and Nitrate. Seems to work OK.

[Wendy in BC]

Hello Timber,

The pH test you read immediately, after you have inverted the vile about 10 times. The ammonia test, you dispense 8 drops from #1 cap it and invert 10 times, add 8 drips from #2 cap it and invert (shake) 10 times, and then read the results after 5 minutes. For nitrites you add 5 drops, cap and shake 10 times and read the results after 5 minutes. For nitrates you need to follow exactly: add 10 drops of #1, cap and shake 10 times...Then take the #2 bottle and shake it for at least 30 seconds, add 10 drops to the vile, and then shake the vile for 60 seconds, read the results after 5 minutes.

Your second question, the answer is yes the solutions can be halfed, and the chemicals can be halved and the time would not change, but you have to be very precise about this. For instance you are not going to half 5 drops of nitrite solution or 3 drops of pH solution. I would strongly suggest you use the vials provided (5 mls) and fill them until the "curve" of the water touches the white line.

Wendy

[Timber]

Thanks man, got some plants in today and doing the fishless cycle thing. Elmore field days on next week but can't see any stands that sell fish. Will have to do some research on fish sellers in Victoria. Think I will go with S/Perch or Catfish.

[Timber]

And thank you to Wendy.

[trout]

Hi Timber

Wendy was spot on with her instructions, I would just add a few things
My Ammonia #2 bottle has a crystalline deposits around the top, hence
it's a very concentrated solution. I now make a habit of shaking the
bottles before using.


If you want your ammonia test to last longer you can halve the
quantities that you use.

I would go to your local chemist and get a 3ml to 5ml disposable syringe.

You would then measure 2.5ml of fish tank water into the test tube,
then add only 4 drops from each bottle.(ammonia)
It actually works out better because you can take a glassful of water
and then syringe out the required quantity. Your not fiddling with four
tubes at once hence less likely to drop/break any.

I'm getting my Silver perch from Livefish $45/25 fish delivered to your door
That in my opinion is magic, I don't even have to get out of bed.
see link

http://www.livefish.com.au/bulk-deals.html?p=2

cheers Lou

[Murray]

The instructions are on the back of each colour card, and no, you cannot dilute the chemical, it will spoil the test.

[Timber]

Thanks Trout that is exactly what I'm looking for.

No offence Murray but I'm not blind yet, the kit came with one colour chart showing all the colours for the different tests and there are no time instructions anywhere in the kit, all there is is the drop amounts on the individual bottles.

Regards Timber

[Murray]

That is a mighty strange API test kit.....If you got it from me, send it back and I will give you a new one.

[RupertofOZ]

There should be individual colour charts for each test...

Freshwater Low Range pH
Freshwater High Range pH
Freshwater Ammonia
Freshwater & Saltwater Nitrite
Freshwater Nitrate

And sometimes ...

Saltwater Ammonia
Saltwater Nitrate