First time testing out water parameters using this piece of kit
Readings weren’t accurate will try again soon
https://youtu.be/vEuzOAslnbc
Any best practices?
First time testing out water parameters using this piece of kit
Readings weren’t accurate will try again soon
https://youtu.be/vEuzOAslnbc
Any best practices?
Follow directions exactly and you will get accurate results. Hold the bottles vertical and drip slowly, not at an angle like you did in the video.
Pickerel is right, hold the reagent bottles upright when putting in the drops.
Also, as soon as you have the reagents in the test tube, cap it and invert it 3-4 times. Don't shake it, just invert it back and forth and that mixes the water and the reagents.
I haven't bought one of the new Master Test Kits, does the section that holds the vials remove from the box. I've always found it easier to do these with just the vial holder resting on the table or something. Doing it all in a box seems cumbersome.
I use something like this to fill the tubes, makes it much easier. My wife brings these from her work: https://www.amazon.com/10ml-Syringe-...-1-spons&psc=1
Regarding frequency, I guess this depends on your pond. While my pond was new and still cycling, I was testing every 2-3 days to keep an eye on ammonia and nitrites. But on an established pond, I would probably test every couple weeks if that.
The one you need to keep an eye on though is your KH. API sells the KH/GH test kit and this one is important to help avoid a deadly PH crash.
I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Premiu...3487&s=gateway
As far as testing, when anything changes: feeding routine increased, water cools (fall/winter), water warms (spring/summer), koi added, fish acting strange, heavy rains, power outages, and so forth.
I would add a KH test to that kit.
That is the worst water testing procedure I've ever seen on youtube
Additional tips:
-drop drops slowly (eg. you added only 7 drops of ammonia bottle #2)
-use the high ph which is more accurate
-when levelling the water, the bottom of the meniscus should be touching the line
-if you know somebody that works in a hospital/lab these styrofoam packs for blood tubes are just throw aways that you can ask for. They are very steady holders and make for a good white background to see the colours better. Also if they can spare the tops of the test tubes since they fit snuggly with the API tubes to prevent messy spills during shaking (does not have to pop shut while shaking).
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. ---- Marthe Troly-Curtin
KoiRun on YouTube, latest video:
https://youtu.be/72iiuRXY2Wk
How to get the right amount of water in the test tube:
I saw Spike do this "flip" in one of the K.O.I. class videos and have done this way ever since. Works like a charm...
(just a small clip and no sound to hopefully avoid any copyright infringements )
The fluorescent lighting plastic egg crate things work great as test tube holders too.
To late for that patent http://www.cascade-pond-supply.com/s...ck-p-1016.html
Beyond instructions pro tips:
You can save your nitrate results to compare eg weekly progression. This is the only test I know where the color does not deteriorate with time (within reason).
You can cut the colour code card’s border so you can compare it being flushed against the test tube:
When testing for KH drops will turn from bright blue to turquoise green to yellow. You can stop dropping at this turquoise green because you know the next one will turn yellow. This will save you a drop!
Test tubes tend to discolour over time. I use these dollar store craft thingies with soap to clean them occasionally:
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. ---- Marthe Troly-Curtin
KoiRun on YouTube, latest video:
https://youtu.be/72iiuRXY2Wk
This Is my the test I did today
When do you recommend water changes?
Why do you have two different colors for nitrite? And are you sure you did the nitrate test right? Having 0ppm seems unlikely
~ Jose
the second one is the accurate one .25 the one with 0 ppm is with the shaking