been a while but I have a question

[BettaFishGirl]

hello guys, member returning here-

also please ignore my username i ain't a girl anymore but im too lazy to change it

but I have a question - I have an API freshwater master test kit and it's been unused for a bit and I guess I forgot to clean out the vials es last time so now the vials are- dirty. I don't think they'd be useable even with cleaning, so I was wondering if I could use something else to test ? if I'm not wrong the vials are 5 mills and i know I have small measuring cups that have ml lines. if not I can just buy more viles.

thanks

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I have a ton of vials as I always clean mine before and after using them. Every time I had to buy a new kit I got more vials. I rarely need to test much any more as I am down sizing and so I have no plans to start up my bio-farm again. So I would be happy to mail you a few of my extras. I have both the cyclidrical and the rectangular tubes if I remember correctly, but all can measure the 5 ml.

Anything I use for my tanks are only used for tanks. I even have different measuring cups from those in the kitchen and which I use exclusively for tanks. I do not suggest that people use the things they do for non-aquarium uses to also be used for anything to do with tanks.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

I have a ton of vials as I always clean mine before and after using them. Every time I had to buy a new kit I got more vials. I rarely need to test much any more as I am down sizing and so I have no plans to start up my bio-farm again. So I would be happy to mail you a few of my extras. I have both the cyclidrical and the rectangular tubes if I remember correctly, but all can measure the 5 ml.

Anything I use for my tanks are only used for tanks. I even have different measuring cups from those in the kitchen and which I use exclusively for tanks. I do not suggest that people use the things they do for non-aquarium uses to also be used for anything to do with tanks.

thank you so much for the offer but I think my parents would freak out, they're strict - but these are the (old) vials, do you think a good scrubbing of them would be okay? i don't want it to mess with the future tests.

 

[Essjay]

Nitrite in particular is hard to clean after it's been left a while, a blue deposit sticks all over the glass.

You could try cleaning them. If you have a small bottle brush that's the best way. If you don't, do have have paper kitchen towels at home? Those can be twisted into a cylindrical shape and pushed down into the tube and rotated round and round. Give the tubes a very thorough rinsing first, during and after using the brush/paper towel.

 

[MaloK]

Let them soak in water for a couple days.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

Nitrite in particular is hard to clean after it's been left a while, a blue deposit sticks all over the glass.

You could try cleaning them. If you have a small bottle brush that's the best way. If you don't, do have have paper kitchen towels at home? Those can be twisted into a cylindrical shape and pushed down into the tube and rotated round and round. Give the tubes a very thorough rinsing first, during and after using the brush/paper towel.

I have a few of the bottle brushes so I'll use those for them !! thank you

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I use a small, graduated syringe to measure out 5 ml of water. I've ordered little plastic test tubes off Amazon and used them, but glass is easier to read.

 

[fishorama]

You can try using several Q-tips (cotton swabs on a stick) to clean out your vials. Vinegar might help remove the gunk too. Rinse well & repeat as needed.

 

[Colin_T]

Soak them in bleach overnight then rinse well with tap water. Cover the container that has the bleach with a decent lid to stop the fumes leaking out.

Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when handling bleach or removing the phials from the bleach and rinsing them.

Use bleach in a well ventilated area so it doesn't damage your lungs or sinuses.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

thank you everyone for the advice! it helps a lot :]

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Don't blame your parents. I had no idea you were so young, I would not have made the offer in that case. Just an FYI- I am likely old enough to be your parents' parent.

Here is what I will now suggest you could might do if you live in the states. You can ask your parents to buy you this set of 4 replacement APY tubes with caps for $4.95 + shipping which will add a few more dollars for 1st class mail.
https://www.theaquaponicsource.com/...rs-reagents/replacement-api-test-tubes-set-4/