Test kits: API vs SeaChem vs RedSea

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dmolavi said:
I wouldn't use cork, or that foam stuff they sometimes use, since it would retain test solution in the open cells of the material. I'm going to check around locally to see if places have them.
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Good point. I guess rubber stoppers would be the way to go.

If anyone uses the seachem or redsea nitrate test let us know how it goes.

I had used the tetra-test nitrate test before, three liquid solutions and a zinc powder. While it didn't require the crazy amount of shaking, it still required a good amount, plus the additional liquid solution and having to measure out the correct amount of zinc powder. And only enough for 45 tests! I don't recommend.
 
dmolavi said:
If I am able to find a bunch of the right sized stoppers locally, would anyone be interested in a bulk buy? I could buy a contractor box (if available), and mail them at cost.

Edit to add: I have found a place online where a bag of 1000 stoppers is about $30+shipping. That's waaaay more stoppers than I will ever need, so if anyone is interested, let me know.
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@ $.03 a piece I'll send you a quarter for 8 + shipping to me. ;)
 
dmolavi said:
If I am able to find a bunch of the right sized stoppers locally, would anyone be interested in a bulk buy? I could buy a contractor box (if available), and mail them at cost.

Edit to add: I have found a place online where a bag of 1000 stoppers is about $30+shipping. That's waaaay more stoppers than I will ever need, so if anyone is interested, let me know.
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I would love a few of these! Please remember to add to the actual cost something extra for your time and the hassle (and expense) of packaging and mailing!
 
Magicmarymac said:
I would love a few of these! Please remember to add to the actual cost something extra for your time and the hassle (and expense) of packaging and mailing!
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I'll make sure I don't lose money, but i'm not looking to retire on this, either ;-)

I have to double check the size of the tubes, I think they will take 00 sized stoppers, but want to make certain before ordering 1000 of them :)

I've also seen other "plugs" that can go in the tops of the tubes, plastic ones vs rubber stoppers. After looking at the rubber stoppers, I noticed they were labelled as having "low sulfur content", which makes me wonder what, if any, impact that would have on the test. I think I might go for the plastic plugs instead, since they will most likely be less reactive. See Plug Stoppers : Globe Scientific Inc.: Laboratory Plasticware, Laboratory Glassware and Laboratory Equipment Specialists for options. If anyone has a preference, let me know.
 
dmolavi said:
I'll make sure I don't lose money, but i'm not looking to retire on this, either ;-)

I have to double check the size of the tubes, I think they will take 00 sized stoppers, but want to make certain before ordering 1000 of them :)

I've also seen other "plugs" that can go in the tops of the tubes, plastic ones vs rubber stoppers. After looking at the rubber stoppers, I noticed they were labelled as having "low sulfur content", which makes me wonder what, if any, impact that would have on the test. I think I might go for the plastic plugs instead, since they will most likely be less reactive. See Plug Stoppers : Globe Scientific Inc.: Laboratory Plasticware, Laboratory Glassware and Laboratory Equipment Specialists for options. If anyone has a preference, let me know.
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I am definitely interested if you get some. No preference here other than doesn't leak lol.
 
I think API always tests high not that accurate I use salifert which I think is very accurate.
 
dmolavi said:
I'll make sure I don't lose money, but i'm not looking to retire on this, either ;-)

I have to double check the size of the tubes, I think they will take 00 sized stoppers, but want to make certain before ordering 1000 of them :)

I've also seen other "plugs" that can go in the tops of the tubes, plastic ones vs rubber stoppers. After looking at the rubber stoppers, I noticed they were labelled as having "low sulfur content", which makes me wonder what, if any, impact that would have on the test. I think I might go for the plastic plugs instead, since they will most likely be less reactive. See Plug Stoppers : Globe Scientific Inc.: Laboratory Plasticware, Laboratory Glassware and Laboratory Equipment Specialists for options. If anyone has a preference, let me know.
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My 25 cent quip was more of a joke. I'm interested in a half-dozen for a couple bucks plus shipping. I guess if you can get enough people together that you can recoup the $30, regardless of how many extra tubes you have left, and break even on shipping, I'm good with that. Hey you'll end up with hundreds of test tubes you can sell on ebay with your costs already covered.
 
phin said:
My 25 cent quip was more of a joke. I'm interested in a half-dozen for a couple bucks plus shipping. I guess if you can get enough people together that you can recoup the $30, regardless of how many extra tubes you have left, and break even on shipping, I'm good with that. Hey you'll end up with hundreds of test tubes you can sell on ebay with your costs already covered.
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I know :) And this is for stoppers only, not tubes, for reasons already discussed (breakage, proper size for color comparison, etc). I'll try to get something together shortly and I'll post in the appropriate forum here (and will link to it from this thread).
 
If you do go ahead with the stoppers I would be interested as well!

Thanks,

Tkh
 
Yeah, stoppers alone would be sweet. I'm pretty well set on API test tubes, since you still have the tube left when the test solution runs out/expires. But if you had tubes and stoppers I'd be happy to get some of those too.
 
Here is a reply I just received from API re: the nitrAte coloring:
I will pass on your concerns with the coloration for the cards so the research and development teams note your comments. Make sure that when you are testing you hold the test tube directly against the white background of the color card as this may help in allowing you to match the color in the tube closest to the color on the card.
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Better than nothing, but I'm not expecting any improvement. I am going to try the SeaChem test when I go to my LFS later in the week.

Also, regarding the stoppers, API returned my call (turns out Mars Fishcare is headquartered about 25 miles from me) this morning with the test tube size: 11mm. Since they left me a voicemail, I couldn't ask if this was inner or outer diameter, but now I have a rough estimate to gauge my measurement on and determine the right sized stoppers to purchase.
 
Magicmarymac said:
Harrumph. Even when I hold the test tube as they said I still have trouble with that orange/red.
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I agree, it's pretty hard. Not to mention how diff types and brightness if lighting in the room also can affect the appearance.
 
Honestly i wish some one would come up with a digital read out testing device where you can just put in a small sample in a collection tube and have a computer do the work.
 
Rlavassor86 said:
Honestly i wish some one would come up with a digital read out testing device where you can just put in a small sample in a collection tube and have a computer do the work.
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Hanna makes checkers for just about everything, EXCEPT nitrAtes :blink: https://hannachecker.com/ . I think I saw on an episode of BRS-TV that they were working on one. I know I'd buy it if it were accurate enough.
 
Magicmarymac said:
Harrumph. Even when I hold the test tube as they said I still have trouble with that orange/red.
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If you are color blind you are totally S. O. L.

I'm the only test taker in my house for that reason, can't really argue can I?
 
^^ that is just so cruel!! I paint and its hard as heck to even paint that soft of a tint scale, even with water colors
 
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