Hello Everybody,
I'm new here and this looks like an amazing forum!
I have a similar question to an old thread that has been closed, but the answer was def not clear: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150568.
My question basically is: When using API's colorimetric pH test, should I hold the tube so that it is touching the color chart, or so that it does not touch?
I know that the moderator brought up the instructions from the booklet:
"Read the test results by matching the test solution against the *** Color Chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the ...."
The *** is for pH, hi pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. It is the same for all of these tests."
If you have ever used this test, you will know the problem I'm having. I cannot decide if my pH is 7.8 or 8. The instructions state that the tube should be "viewed against the white area.." Although this seems relatively clear (how can you mess that up?), upon use of the test, it isn't. Does this mean the tube should be literally touching the white area of the card, or does it mean that I should look at the tube against the white area without touching the card. When the tube touches the card, it gets slightly darker.
The two different ways produce vastly different colors: Without touching = 7.8, with touching = 8.0 or 8.2. On a side note, looking down the tube shows as 8.0. Also, I am in a well-lit area.
I would like to increase my pH if it is at 7.8, but would rather leave it alone if its at 8.0-8.2. How should I be reading this test??
All the other API test are rather clear - the color matches to one color on the color chart whether or not the tube touches the card.
Please help! :thm:
I'm new here and this looks like an amazing forum!
I have a similar question to an old thread that has been closed, but the answer was def not clear: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150568.
My question basically is: When using API's colorimetric pH test, should I hold the tube so that it is touching the color chart, or so that it does not touch?
I know that the moderator brought up the instructions from the booklet:
"Read the test results by matching the test solution against the *** Color Chart. The tube should be viewed against the white area beside the color chart. Color comparisons are best made in a well-lit area. The closest match indicates the ...."
The *** is for pH, hi pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. It is the same for all of these tests."
If you have ever used this test, you will know the problem I'm having. I cannot decide if my pH is 7.8 or 8. The instructions state that the tube should be "viewed against the white area.." Although this seems relatively clear (how can you mess that up?), upon use of the test, it isn't. Does this mean the tube should be literally touching the white area of the card, or does it mean that I should look at the tube against the white area without touching the card. When the tube touches the card, it gets slightly darker.
The two different ways produce vastly different colors: Without touching = 7.8, with touching = 8.0 or 8.2. On a side note, looking down the tube shows as 8.0. Also, I am in a well-lit area.
I would like to increase my pH if it is at 7.8, but would rather leave it alone if its at 8.0-8.2. How should I be reading this test??
All the other API test are rather clear - the color matches to one color on the color chart whether or not the tube touches the card.
Please help! :thm:
