Question about API Test Kit results

[mgx42]

I have the API master test kit. According to the instructions it says to wait 5 minutes for the test results to appear, but I've noticed that when I leave them out longer than that (30mins) the results change slightly. For example after the first 5 minutes my nitrate result said 5.0ppm but after letting it sit for a bit, it became slightly more yellow making the result less than 5.0 (about 2.5ppm). Same with my nitrite, after 5 mins it was light blue with a tiny bit of purple (0-.25ppm), after more time it became completely light blue (0 ppm). Does waiting longer make the result more or less accurate?

 

[fort384]

Less. The results are to be read 5 minutes after mixing.

 

[Calypso77]

I agree with Fort. There are reasons for instruction and anything more or less in time you will get false readings.

 

[mgx42]

Thanks guys

 

[Oceangirl]

See I had the idea to write a sticky on API Master Test kit. But I am not experienced enough to do it, because I can't read it right all the time either.