I don’t think my API master test kit ammonia is working!

[Watersplasher909]

So I have just received the API master test kit and was testing all the liquids on my water. While doing this I noticed even after 5 minutes the colour of the ammonia test hadn’t changed (completely clear, the colour of the water before test) I followed the instructions and I’m wondering if there is something I’ve done. Tomorrow I will retry but was seeking so help or at least conformation on what’s happening.

 

[Essjay]

Did you add drops from both bottles? And the same for nitrate, shaking bottle #2 even more than the instructions say?

 

[Watersplasher909]

Did you add drops from both bottles? And the same for nitrate, shaking bottle #2 even more than the instructions say?

I did add both but only shook for 5 seconds. I’ll try shaking for the proper amount of time tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks

 

[jaylach]

I did add both but only shook for 5 seconds. I’ll try shaking for the proper amount of time tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks

It is VERY important that you shake the test agents for at least the time in the instructions. Think of an oil and vinegar salad dressing. The dressing separates and you have to shake to bring it back together. The same thing is true with some test agents.

 

[JonasN515]

Please keep updates on this product. This is what I was recommended and have it in my Amazon cart as we speak. Please keep me posted!!!

 

[plebian]

Please keep updates on this product. This is what I was recommended and have it in my Amazon cart as we speak. Please keep me posted!!!

The API tests are fine as long as you follow the instructions. The nitrate test tends to read high for levels above 40 ppm, but the other tests seem to be very accurate. You do have to follow the instructions precisely. The color charts can be a bit difficult to interpret for some readings, but that's true of most of the tests out there.

 

[Watersplasher909]

Please keep updates on this product. This is what I was recommended and have it in my Amazon cart as we speak. Please keep me posted!!!

Will do

 

[Fishmanic]

API test kit is fine for ammonia, ph, and nitrites. If you can afford the cost, I would get the salifert freshwater test for nitrates. It’s so much easier to use and is easier to read the test results.

 

[Watersplasher909]

Update! I’m an idiot and it works fine. Thanks for all the help but I think I did solution 2 and then 1. I recommend this product. Thanks

 

[TNG]

Update! I’m an idiot and it works fine. Thanks for all the help but I think I did solution 2 and then 1. I recommend this product. Thanks

For ammonia, if you added solution 2 first then solution 1 it should still turn yellow. Most likely you used the same solution twice.

 

[Slaphppy7]

The API Freshwater Master test kit works just fine, if you follow the directions, as mentioned above.

I personally don't like the instruction manual that comes with the kit, however; the print is too small for my prehistoric eyes, and I don't need 8 different languages, so I made the attached "cheat sheet" for quick reference

 

[Watersplasher909]

For ammonia, if you added solution 2 first then solution 1 it should still turn yellow. Most likely you used the same solution twice.

Lol