klutz needs some advice

[Ram897]

So so far out of the 4 test tubes that come with the api master test kit I have broken 2! Who would have thought this would be the first thing to "run out". I dropped one on the ceramic tile in my kitchen and broke one trying to dry with a paper towel and tweezers.....need new method obviously. So my question is... Can I use plastic test tubes or is there a contraindication in that??
Thanks for the advice.

[MCHRKiller]

Plastic will stain over time...it also is more porous and thus may not give as accurate results. I would just buy a new set of test tubes, I have broken several of mine over the years. Its also more convenient to do multiple tanks results at the same time.

http://www.petmountain.com/product/a...est-tubes.html

[genocidex]

+1 to just getting more. also why were you drying them with tweezers? they dont need to be completely sterile just clean.

my lfs sells tubes singly for a dollar a peice

[Ram897]

Tweezers....Cuz I am a newbie and got the paper towel stuck in it......oops
Guess there is a reason I am not a scientist..teehee

Thanks for the link. Much appreciated.

[genocidex]

heres how i clean mine. rinse with hot water, rinse again, shake out and leave cap off. then before i use them i just rinse one more time to make sure they are clean and shake them out

[Lady Hobbs]

I just rinse it out twice and toss it in the box. They do not need to be dry but if you feel like it, I suppose a q-tip would work but why bother.

[MCHRKiller]

I just bought a small test tube rack and let them air dry in the rack...also keeps them from getting broken.

[Shootemz]

Before i got my new kit i broke mine and was forced to use medicine cups, (i.e. the ones that come with cough syrup). the thing is you can't shake it, so you have to stir it and that doesn't always get you good results.