Correct Way To Read Water Tests

[FishNewbie]

Ok I have a really dumb question. What is the proper way to read the water test. I am using the API test kits withthe vials and drops. when you read the test kit do you hold the vial up to the white area and compare colors without placing it directly on the card? If I put my nitrite test directly on the card I get a much higher reading 1.0 compared to .50 if i just hold the card an inch or so behind the vial. That makes a bigg difference to my fishes. Hope what I am asking makes sense

 

[tnhowery]

i always hold it right to the card and lay it on a table in a well lit room... But i just might be doing it wrong

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i hold it right against the card in a well lit room. you need to do this otherwise your reading is gonna be affected by the colour of light in the room you do it in.

 

[InaneCathode]

Reaaaaaaally? My test says 'hold 8 inches away from a white surface' or, in the case of the nitrite test "uncap, hold 2 inches virtically above a white surface and look down through the tube"

Holding it against the card would be soooooo much easier.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Reaaaaaaally? My test says 'hold 8 inches away from a white surface' or, in the case of the nitrite test "uncap, hold 2 inches virtically above a white surface and look down through the tube"

Holding it against the card would be soooooo much easier.

i think so, what test kit do you use?

been a long time since i read the instructions i must say but i'm pretty sure you old it against the card. gonna check when i get home now

 

[erk628]

Yes hold against the card if you hold it away from the card you will get a wrong reading.

 

[InaneCathode]

*glances behind him*
Red sea