API test kit

[Thomasflynn15]

IMHO API liquid+tube test kits are completely useless and inaccurate in saltwater. Whenever you buy the "saltwater" variety I am 100% certain it is the exact same chemicals as the freshwater version. Nitrates and phosphate never changes color from the original color of the reagent solution when first mixed, etc. I am not a marine ecologist but I know for a fact there is at least some nitrate and phosphate present in my tank on a regular basis due to feeding. Whenever there is a loss I test for ammonia and it doesn't change color. It only changed colors when I first cycled and intentionally dosed ammonia. I've used this kit for 7+ years in my planted tank and I always get rational results. Thoughts?

 

[CocoReef]

You are right, API are not reliable for saltwater testing. I havent had freshwater so I cant speak for that but Ive had much more reliable results using salifert and hanna checkers. I havent tried any of the red sea kits though and ive heard those also work well

 

[Dan_P]

IMHO API liquid+tube test kits are completely useless and inaccurate in saltwater. Whenever you buy the "saltwater" variety I am 100% certain it is the exact same chemicals as the freshwater version. Nitrates and phosphate never changes color from the original color of the reagent solution when first mixed, etc. I am not a marine ecologist but I know for a fact there is at least some nitrate and phosphate present in my tank on a regular basis due to feeding. Whenever there is a loss I test for ammonia and it doesn't change color. It only changed colors when I first cycled and intentionally dosed ammonia. I've used this kit for 7+ years in my planted tank and I always get rational results. Thoughts?

When the API reagent amounts are decreased, and the color intensity measured with a photometer or spectrophotometer, the results can be as good or better than Hanna’s test kits. With the unmodified reagent amounts, API test kits are fairly crude In saltwater. Not surprised by your observations of the unmodified test kit behavior.

 

[new salt addict]

IMHO API liquid+tube test kits are completely useless and inaccurate in saltwater. Whenever you buy the "saltwater" variety I am 100% certain it is the exact same chemicals as the freshwater version. Nitrates and phosphate never changes color from the original color of the reagent solution when first mixed, etc. I am not a marine ecologist but I know for a fact there is at least some nitrate and phosphate present in my tank on a regular basis due to feeding. Whenever there is a loss I test for ammonia and it doesn't change color. It only changed colors when I first cycled and intentionally dosed ammonia. I've used this kit for 7+ years in my planted tank and I always get rational results. Thoughts?

 

[new salt addict]

This post goes along with my question. I have a new FOWLR tank that I am cycling and have a freshwater API master text kit. Was wondering if it can be used on my salt water tank to test ammonia and nitrite/ nitrate. I had gotten mixed answers though I had been told the pH high test will not work. Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Dan_P]

This post goes along with my question. I have a new FOWLR tank that I am cycling and have a freshwater API master text kit. Was wondering if it can be used on my salt water tank to test ammonia and nitrite/ nitrate. I had gotten mixed answers though I had been told the pH high test will not work. Any advice would be appreciated

The API ammonia test kit is used for both fresh and saltwater, though the test in saltwater is cloudy because of various precipitates that form at the high pH of the test. The colors are a bit different.

Nitrite test works for both.

The nitrate test can work in both but the chloride in salt water interfers with the test, giving a lower number because the color does not develop as well. The company might just supply a different color chart calibrated for this effect rather than change the reagents.