API test kit not working?

[BrkD]

ok so im about to start my cycling my 55g tank. i threw in some fish flakes for the ammonia as it rots. when i checked the ammonia level today in the tank, it had no ammonia. the color of the result was clear like water. so i did another test with 5ml of tap water and a took a cotton swab and dropped a couple drops of ammonium hydroxide in. the test results were the same. whats goin on?? should i get a new kit and test it out?

 

[ct-death]

They do expire. There is a code on each. You can post the codes if need help understanding them.

Also, make sure you follow the direction in regards to shaking the bottles themselves and the tubes. Sorry for this, but just covering the bases here. This will cause a large variation in results, particularily in the multiple bottle tests (i.e. NitrItes)

 

[SHK_ATK]

I remembered when I FIRST got my API test kit and tested for AMO I did like three tests that read nothing....then I realised that I forgot to use bottle #2....:idea:

 

[BrkD]

youre suppose to use both? lol

 

[kimmisc]

Yes, 8 drops of #1 and 8 drops of #2.

 

[BrkD]

ok after that do i have to wait 5 minutes for acurrate results? it still shows up clear

ahh never mind its yellow now...im horrible with directions

 

[SHK_ATK]

ok after that do i have to wait 5 minutes for acurrate results? it still shows up clear

ahh never mind its yellow now...im horrible with directions

it happends to the best of us, Remember the intructions are on the back of the cards, aftrer many many tests you will just know how many drops of each and how many bottles.:dance2:

 

[mbiggs03]

I don't think 2 drops of ammonia is gonna do much to a 55gal tank. Maybe half a capful starting out. And you'd see good results.

 

[BrkD]

I don't think 2 drops of ammonia is gonna do much to a 55gal tank. Maybe half a capful starting out. And you'd see good results.

i put the 2 drops into the test tube with 5 ml water

anyway this thread is done..i was jsut using it incorrectly.