Delayed testing

[aSaltyKlown]

Sometimes I'm not able to test when I want to at 8AM on Sat, but I can get a cup of tank water and cap it off to test later, say noon. Would this be the same as testing at 8AM? I know PH may be off, but I'm not concerned with that.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sometimes I'm not able to test when I want to at 8AM on Sat, but I can get a cup of tank water and cap it off to test later, say noon. Would this be the same as testing at 8AM? I know PH may be off, but I'm not concerned with that.

Depends on the test. Its fine for alk and calcium, but is unsuitable for pH.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

Depends on the test. Its fine for alk and calcium, but is unsuitable for pH.

Thanks Randy.
What about phosphate and nitrate?

 

[taricha]

Thanks Randy.
What about phosphate and nitrate?

a day or a half-day is fine for NO3 and PO4 for typical reef tank water.