nitrate test kit

[timwag2001]

does anyone know the reason that you are supposed to shake bottle #2 for 30 seconds?

 

[miniflea84]

I guess to completely mix the reagent? Could be two things that don't like to mix, oil and water style.

 

[timwag2001]

do you think that if i didnt shake the bottle properly the first few times i used the test kit i may have screwed up the mixture thats in the bottle and therefore i'm getting inaccurate results now?

 

[SWerner13]

I doubt you would permanently mess up anything because you have to shake it up everytime. Mix it up everytime idicates that it settles inbetween. I think it messes with your results if you don't shake it enough though. I tend to get a darker reading if I give it a lazy shake. I noticed this during my fishless cycle. My water is at a constant 10ppm and sometimes it would look more like 5 sometimes closer to 15 depending on the shaking.

 

[fort384]

I think what you are asking is theoretically possible. The heavier portion of the mixture would drip out first, rather than the mix. So if you did this several times, it could potentially mess up the ratio of chemicals that make up the reagent. I will reiterate, the shaking step for the reagent is very important. It will give a false result if not thoroughly mixed.

 

[timwag2001]

thats what i was thinking. i possibly used part of the solution that didnt mix well the first few times i used the kit before i realized the importance of shaking the bottle and now i'm getting false results. i think i'm gonna pick up another kit and see if there is any difference.