Salifert nitrate test

[Billyreef-ita]

Hi everybody,
I have some problems with the NO3 salifert test. According to the instructions you have to fill the vial with 1ml of tank water, then run the procedure and read the results on the color chart. Unfortunately with such little water it’s difficult to read in my opinion. I tried doubling the water (2ml) and all the other components (reagent drops 8vs 4, powder spoons 2vs 1). I kept the same the waiting period (3min). In this way I can read clearly the results. My question is test performed in this way still reliable? Thanks

 

[Uncle99]

The Salifert test for nitrate should be very easy to read.
A very very light pink would be 1-5ppm.
Are you seeing any colour whatsoever?

 

[topjimmy]

The Salifert test for nitrate should be very easy to read.
A very very light pink would be 1-5ppm.
Are you seeing any colour whatsoever?

I agree it's very easy to read. If you don't see any color from the top, look through the side. Still no color then you are close to zero.

 

[Billyreef-ita]

Yes I can see a colour but with very little water I feel difficult to distinguish in the color chart

 

[BigMonkeyBrain]

Hi everybody,
My question is test performed in this way still reliable? Thanks

I would vote yes.

Probably happens !

“So let it be written, so let it be done”

 

[taricha]

if you double the water level, and you look down through the water, then doubling water of the same concentration will lead to twice the light absorbance.
a.k.a looking down through twice as much solution of the same color will look like twice the concentration of color. So it's fine. Just divide the value your eyes see by two.

 

[Billyreef-ita]

thanks! I'll try to see if dividing by 2 I'll get the same results of the "standard" method