View Full Version : API test kit
thesoul2008
07-06-2009, 12:06 AM
It finally happened i have broken EVERY SINGLE bit of glass that the API test kit comes with AGAIN i originally brought 1 of the kits broke all the test tubes so i got another one now i have broken all of them (i know im clumsy) anyone had the same problem if so what do you use now instead of the glass things?
Lupin
07-06-2009, 12:12 AM
LOL! How did you break those vials? That's weird. They are sturdy to me.
thesoul2008
07-06-2009, 12:15 AM
lol have been doing a lot of work in my fish room lately as soon as i knock them on the floor they crack not break just crack but still :(
was just looking on ebay found some plastic ones and a stand for $10 lol think i should get it
Lupin
07-06-2009, 12:18 AM
The plastic vials are easily contaminated and can lead to misleading results. Stick to glass vials.
thesoul2008
07-06-2009, 12:19 AM
but i keep breaking them lol if i keep using the same vials for the same tests will they be ok?
Lupin
07-06-2009, 12:21 AM
No, I don't think so. With plastic, it's hard to rinse off possible residues. Why not just keep the glass vials safely where they should be so you won't break them? I just keep them in their own boxes and then stuff the packages in the tupperware and away from any interfering activities.
thesoul2008
07-06-2009, 12:23 AM
yeah i might just get that stand and they can stay in that i think i can afford it $2 lol
big spender i know lol going to get a sucker as well so im not dipping the glass in the water trying to get the right amount all the time lol
RDTigger
07-06-2009, 12:32 AM
yeah i might just get that stand and they can stay in that i think i can afford it $2 lol
big spender i know lol going to get a sucker as well so im not dipping the glass in the water trying to get the right amount all the time lol
why not make a mini-stand...? a scrap of 2x4 and a drill bit big enough to allow the vial to stand up would work...
thesoul2008
07-06-2009, 1:10 AM
would but wouldnt look as neat would have to varnish it etc stand is easier
The amount of liquid up to the line on the tube is 5 cc exactly. Just get a syringe (take the needle off) and draw up 5 cc of tank water, use any small glass or disposable plastic cup, shoot the water into the cup & mix the drops with the water. If it's plastic just throw it away and use a different one next time.
RDTigger
07-06-2009, 3:34 AM
The amount of liquid up to the line on the tube is 5 cc exactly. Just get a syringe (take the needle off) and draw up 5 cc of tank water, use any small glass or disposable plastic cup, shoot the water into the cup & mix the drops with the water. If it's plastic just throw it away and use a different one next time.
shotglass
Rbishop
07-06-2009, 4:40 AM
not only do you need the right volume, you also need the right diameter to get proper light refraction to correctly read the results.
MarkInNC
07-06-2009, 5:55 AM
Don't know for sure as I have only been using mine for about three weeks now. But, I have been using the plasitc case that came with the kit. The tubes are either in my hand or sitting up in the case. So far, no accidents.
Mark