Reading Levels Correctly

E

Erik With A K

AC Members
Feb 28, 2007
65
0
0
Connecticut
Alright so I been testing my tank regularly, checking the cycle. The trouble I'm having is reading these darn vials against the cards. I have an AP Master kit, and if I hold it against the card, it looks darker than if I hold it up front. So I can guess one number, and its another.

Basically what I'm asking is, whats the correct, most accurate method?
 
Im in a cycle and use that test kit. I just know that it is a problem if it is darker than the .25. In my eyes, beyond that just means that your cycling or need to do water changes.
 
tip from a nervous newbie who obsessively checks water...test your tank water in one tube and your tap in another - i.e. side by side, let them wait the five minutes. Much easier to compare each to the chart, and side by side; will show you more clearly if your tank water is showing something.
 
I hold a white index card behind the tube and slide both onto the chart card.
 
Try covering all the color levels and when checking, only showing one at a time. When you trying to compare all of them at the same time to the color of the water, it looks vary similar between 2 or 3 levels on the chart. If you compare each one alone next to the water sample, you eyes may see more clearly.
 
Nice to know I am not the only one who has trouble with that test kit! The PH is especially difficult for me with those shades of brown (High Range PH). Going to try the index card and viewing one color at a time tomorrow morning, thanks for the tip =)
 
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