API Vs. Red Sea Nitrate Test?

[Kasey Grohowski]

My api test shows <10 nitrates while my red sea test shows a little more than 20 nitrates. I know api is a bad test kit for ammonia in marine systems, but are their nitrate tests credible?

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

According to the extensive testing done by BRS, all nitrate kits are garbage. The only question is how garbage are they? The Nyos and Red Sea were shown to be more accurate then the competition, but even they are off. So with the hobby kits, you really are only getting a general idea a "yes or no".

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

According to the extensive testing done by BRS, all nitrate kits are garbage. The only question is how garbage are they? The Nyos and Red Sea were shown to be more accurate then the competition, but even they are off. So with the hobby kits, you really are only getting a general idea a "yes or no".

How would I get an accurate test then?

 

[ryeguyy84]

Something like this

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/ati-testing/products/ati-icp-oes-water-analysis

Showed me exactly what my nitrates were and everything else

 

[Storm Trooper Reefer]

Hanna checkers work great, but expensive. API is great for, do I have some or none. Salifert is usually about +- 10%

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

How would I get an accurate test then?

You can order an ICP test. Or not worry too much if everything is looking healthy and use the Red Sea as a guide.

 

[BestMomEver]

As I understand, the API test for nitrate is notoriously inaccurate. I saw the BRS thing and understand the issues. Still, some are more accurate than others. I use Salifert and Hanna.