5-in-1 dip strips from API don't match legend?

muppet · 05/12/2010, 09:07 AM

I know you're going to tell me that dip strips are crap, but I'm on a tight budget this week so it has to do.

I'm using a 5-in-1 strip to test for nitrates, nitrites, and pH (I have a separate strip for ammonia). The strip also tests GH and KH, whatever they are. General Hardness which doesn't apply to salt, and Carbonate hardness which I guess relates to Ca levels?

Anyhow, the colors that I get on my strip don't match any colors on the legend for some pads after the recommended waiting time(s). It looks as though the two pH pads (one for salt, one for fresh) have been shifted to one side and the KH pad is in the wrong place, judging solely by color matches.

Would something like that be typical? All the strips in the can are the same: none match the legend exactly.

I THINK I'm reading the right pads, but I'd feel better if the legend and the strip agreed. Anybody ever see this?

dcombs44 · 05/12/2010, 09:11 AM

You can get the API salt test kit on Foster and Smith for $17. That's pretty affordable for a reefer on a budget. I'm on a budget, and that's what I just bought

.

Sorry, no experience with the dip strips.

Sisterlimonpot · 05/12/2010, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppet

I know you're going to tell me that dip strips are crap, but I'm on a tight budget this week so it has to do.

I think you answered your own question.

The next best thing to do.... if you're starting a cycle is to take water samples to the LFS for testing.

stingythingy45 · 05/12/2010, 09:11 AM

Dip strips are crap.lol
There's no room for a tight budget when it comes to knowing water parameters in this hobby.

aixelsyd18 · 05/12/2010, 09:13 AM

Depending on the age of the strips (The older the worse it is) the reagent on the strips begins to degrade thus skewing the results. That is one of the reasons they are not preferred. This might be your problem.

dcombs44 · 05/12/2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingythingy45

Dip strips are crap.lol
There's no room for a tight budget when it comes to knowing water parameters in this hobby.

If he's just trying to gauge the progress of the cycle a lower end kit can suffice.

I would agree with you that you can't skimp on test kits when trying to dial in key parameters such as Ca, dKh, Mg, PO4, etc., but if you're seeing if your tank has nitrites or ammonia during the initial cycle, I'd say you can skimp a bit.......You probably do want to at least get a kit with colors that match the scale though

stingythingy45 · 05/12/2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcombs44

If he's just trying to gauge the progress of the cycle a lower end kit can suffice.

I would agree with you that you can't skimp on test kits when trying to dial in key parameters such as Ca, dKh, Mg, PO4, etc., but if you're seeing if your tank has nitrites or ammonia during the initial cycle, I'd say you can skimp a bit.......You probably do want to at least get a kit with colors that match the scale though

The API test kits are pretty cheap and work well.
I cycled a few tanks using them with success.

Lannyrx7 · 05/12/2010, 06:25 PM

Read kH and pH right after the strip comes out of the water. Then nitrites and nitrates 30 seconds later. Your kh is either a dark green or purple (can't remember since I don't use them for this purpose), pH should be a dark red, nitrites should be white, and nitrates a very light pink. A friend of mine gave me a tube of these and I use them when I'm really busy. But for real testing you should at least go API liquid or take the water to the LFS.

05/12/2010, 09:07 AM	#1
muppet Misanthrope Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plainville, CT Posts: 2,759	5-in-1 dip strips from API don't match legend? I know you're going to tell me that dip strips are crap, but I'm on a tight budget this week so it has to do. I'm using a 5-in-1 strip to test for nitrates, nitrites, and pH (I have a separate strip for ammonia). The strip also tests GH and KH, whatever they are. General Hardness which doesn't apply to salt, and Carbonate hardness which I guess relates to Ca levels? Anyhow, the colors that I get on my strip don't match any colors on the legend for some pads after the recommended waiting time(s). It looks as though the two pH pads (one for salt, one for fresh) have been shifted to one side and the KH pad is in the wrong place, judging solely by color matches. Would something like that be typical? All the strips in the can are the same: none match the legend exactly. I THINK I'm reading the right pads, but I'd feel better if the legend and the strip agreed. Anybody ever see this?

05/12/2010, 09:11 AM	#2
dcombs44 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 2,913	You can get the API salt test kit on Foster and Smith for $17. That's pretty affordable for a reefer on a budget. I'm on a budget, and that's what I just bought . Sorry, no experience with the dip strips. __________________ Current Setup: 10 Gallon Skimmerless Zoanthid Tank Lighting: Single 175 Watt Metal Halide (14,000 K Hamilton Lamp) Filtration: 10 gallon sump/refugium and Phosban Reactor Return: Mag Drive 700 Controller: ReefKeeper Lite (Basic Version) Circulation: TBD Age of System: Build is in Progress

05/12/2010, 09:11 AM	#4
stingythingy45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MA Posts: 3,296	Dip strips are crap.lol There's no room for a tight budget when it comes to knowing water parameters in this hobby. __________________ Bob Current Tank Info: 90 gallon,mixed Reef,2-250 watt Optix 3 pendants(Phoenix 14K)2-54 watt T5 Super actnics ,ASM G-2 Gate/recirc mods,70 gal. basement sump,20L ref

05/12/2010, 09:13 AM	#5
aixelsyd18 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 64	Depending on the age of the strips (The older the worse it is) the reagent on the strips begins to degrade thus skewing the results. That is one of the reasons they are not preferred. This might be your problem. __________________ 1 True Perc, 1 Black and White clown, Blue/Green Chromi, Lawnmower Blenny, Serpant Star, Feather Duster, various crabs,shrimp, and snails

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05/12/2010, 06:25 PM	#8
Lannyrx7 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Omaha,NE Posts: 96	Read kH and pH right after the strip comes out of the water. Then nitrites and nitrates 30 seconds later. Your kh is either a dark green or purple (can't remember since I don't use them for this purpose), pH should be a dark red, nitrites should be white, and nitrates a very light pink. A friend of mine gave me a tube of these and I use them when I'm really busy. But for real testing you should at least go API liquid or take the water to the LFS.