API Test kit questions

**Slaphppy7** · 05-21-2013, 02:13 PM

I contacted API with a couple of questions I had about the master test kit, the results are below, just an FYI if anyone is interested:

I have a few questions regarding the API Freshwater Master Test Kit:

1. After mixing the solutions, does it make a difference whether or not you leave the tubes capped or not while waiting for results?..I know that some chemical reactions need oxygen to fully react, it would seem that leaving the tubes capped would limit the amount of oxygen

2. When testing Ammonia, Nitrates, and Nitrites, you are required to allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes before interpreting the results...Is this AT LEAST 5 minutes or EXACTLY 5 minutes...I ask because I like to do all 3 tests at once, and since I don't start timing until the 3rd solution is mixed, the first solution mixed will be sitting an extra few minutes...

Thanks for your time!

Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Matt if you keep the tubes capped or uncapped it will not affect the readings for each level that you are trying to determine. As far as test time is concerned you will want to be as close to the 5 minute mark as possible to determine the accurate level. If the tube sits past the 5 minute mark it may give you another reading that may be incorrect but you will be very close to the 5 minute mark so the level should be accurate. I personally have never seen a difference in that + / - minute when waiting to read the test.

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.
Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Mars Fishcare

**Taurus** · 05-21-2013, 02:48 PM

Very useful information! Thanks for sharing.

**Slaphppy7** · 05-21-2013, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

Very useful information! Thanks for sharing.

You are quite welcome Taurus!

**ijankrom** · 05-21-2013, 04:37 PM

I was just going to ask today in this forum if anyone knew if I left the tubes longer than 5 minutes if the results would vary. I'm glad I saw this before posting. Thanks.

**Slaphppy7** · 05-21-2013, 04:46 PM

You're welcome, ijankrom ...glad the info was useful to you

**mommy1** · 05-21-2013, 09:44 PM

I remember you asking about the caps. I really didn't think it would matter but I didn't know for sure, now I do. Thanks for finding that out and letting us know.

**fishmommie** · 05-21-2013, 11:27 PM

+ to all the above. Thanks for the good info.

**Slaphppy7** · 05-22-2013, 01:22 PM

Hi fishmommie and HB1,
You are quite welcome for the info...hey, BTW, I am bot getting e-mail notifications of my subscribed threads all of a sudden, or I would have posted back promptly...anyone else having this issue?