I broke my Salifert phosphate test vial

[ThePurple12]

Do I need to buy a new kit, or can I just use one of those API bottles instead? Will it influence the results like it would with the nitrate kit?

 

[brmreefer]

I am thinking it will influence the results because of the differences in the shapes of the test vials.

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Not a fan of that test kit anyways, really can’t tell the difference below .25. I bought the Hanna ULR and haven’t looked back. I just use the Salifert as a sanity check now.

 

[brmreefer]

Agree with ReeferWarrant. I would invest into a Hanna. Color variants in that Salifert just weren't cutting it for me.

 

[Alchameth]

Ya, the depth and size is calibrated to their color chart. If you have another one of their test kits I'd use that one, just rin
se it clean with RO between testing.

 

[KrisReef]

Ya, the depth and size is calibrated to their color chart. If you have another one of their test kits I'd use that one, just rin
se it clean with RO between testing.

But get that Hanna ULR. Their cuvettes are almost bulletproof and the results are fantastic once you get used to the testing procedures.

 

[Alchameth]

But get that Hanna ULR. Their cuvettes are almost bulletproof and the results are fantastic once you get used to the testing procedures.

Apparently I got a bad batch then because I broke my first culvet on my second test.

 

[Reef.]

If you have something that would give the test liquid the same height when in it that would work, as with that test you are looking down so it shouldn’t matter.

 

[Auto-pilot]

Yeah the amount of water changes how dark it is. From side is for checking it on the lower side like 0-10 ppm straight down is checking it higher side like 10 to 100 ppm. I've stepped on those viles before and had to get a new test. Theres an android app called aquarium note in the tools section of the app they have a color checker where you take a picture and you have three comparison arrows that help take some of the guess work out of collor tests
Edit: the side and front thing are still relevant but I'm pretty sure I'm thinking about nitrate on those ppm numbers

 

[samnaz]

I wonder if they sell cuvettes separately like hanna and api do?

 

[Auto-pilot]

I wonder if they sell cuvettes separately like hanna and api do?

I've looked before and couldn't find them... kinda sucks. I use their nitrate test and my un organized ADD brain sometimes allows me to just randomly set those right where I accidentally break them..... at one point I had 3 kits and one cup. I made a decision one day to take really good care of that cup and haven't broken it since. Lol

 

[ThePurple12]

Is the vial that comes with the Salifert nitrate kit the same size+shape? I actually broke the vials from boths kits, so can I kill two birds with one stone and only buy one replacement kit?

;Facepalm

 

[Auto-pilot]

I believe they are the same, I have never compared the two side to side.

 

[slojim]

eh, will it make a difference? Sure. Lets say its 20% off - now your 0.01ppm reading will be 0.012ppm, or your 0.25 reading will be 0.3. I'd measure again as soon as you can after your last good reading, see how far off, and continue on until the test kit is no good anymore. The size difference won't change, so the difference should be consistent.

 

[Alchameth]

Is the vial that comes with the Salifert nitrate kit the same size+shape? I actually broke the vials from boths kits, so can I kill two birds with one stone and only buy one replacement kit?

;Facepalm

Yes they are the same.

 

[Dan_P]

Do I need to buy a new kit, or can I just use one of those API bottles instead? Will it influence the results like it would with the nitrate kit?

What are the dimensions of the API bottle?

 

[ThePurple12]

What are the dimensions of the API bottle?

About half an inch diameter, 3 inches tall

 

[Dan_P]

About half an inch diameter, 3 inches tall

OK, I’ll attempt a solution.

 

[Dan_P]

OK, I’ll attempt a solution.

You are referring to the flat bottom test tubes used in the API test. It only holds about 8 mL, the Salifert directions call for 10 mL. That is a no-go.

Any other small glass bottles around the house?

 

[flyfisher2]

I have a couple extra... If you send me a PM I'll drop in the mail for you