API or tube-based 'master kits'

[h20rat]

Those of us using them. How do you 'read the colour?' Through side of tube? Or looking down through the solution?

Interested to know because they give very different results!

[CNgo2006]

Put the tube up against the white of the color chart (just beside the color scheme you are checking against there is white gap) in well lit area...

[h20rat]

Yes...but do you look through the side of the tube against the chart, or down through the tube?

[jayc]

Side on through the tube, not top down.

[h20rat]

That's what I was looking for thank-you both. The instructions for the KH and GH say if the colour isn't apparent look at the solution through the top of the tube. Just wasn't sure if this was what people did as a rule.

[Trav80]

With the API GH and KH test kits the colour change can be very subtle. For me those are the most difficult to read. I have heard that if the kits are old or been sitting on the shelf in the shop for a while the reaction is not as intense.

A will lit room makes it easier to read, I sometimes hold the test tube up with the card and take a photo with my phone with flash on and that can help you read it but not as useful for GH and KH.

Just my two cents.

[CNgo2006]

WIth the GH and KH it is easier to put the tube on a white piece of paper and look down through the tube as the tested water will be deeper...with the others (ph, amm, nitrate, nitrite) look side on, always in a well lit area.

[h20rat]

Thx everyone :)