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I received my Seachem Nitrate test kit from Drsfosterandsmith.com today and I decided to try it out. It comes with a reference sample that contains 10 mg/l (ppm) of water which I can use to test the accuracy. I put 2 dropers (full to the base of the bulb) into the test cavity, 1 drop of the nitrite solution, and 1 level scoop of the nitrate powder. I mixed and waited a few minutes.. The color is light pink and according to the chart its showing it between 2 to 5 ppm MAX, looked to me more like 2 ppm.
I even mixed my own sample using 4.2 grams of Potassium Nitrate (from gregwatson) into a 250ml bottle of drinking water which is nitrate free, then poured 5ml of that solution into a 1 gallon bottle of water (also nitrate free). I shook it, tested that water and again showed no more than about 2 to 5 ppm. It should have tested at 12 or 13.
The phospate test kit was ok though.
Needless to say, Im disappointed in this test kit. I think I'm going to try to get a refund or exchange. Do you think I got a bad test kit? Are the colors off for everyone else too? Should I use a different test kit like AP maybe?
I even mixed my own sample using 4.2 grams of Potassium Nitrate (from gregwatson) into a 250ml bottle of drinking water which is nitrate free, then poured 5ml of that solution into a 1 gallon bottle of water (also nitrate free). I shook it, tested that water and again showed no more than about 2 to 5 ppm. It should have tested at 12 or 13.
The phospate test kit was ok though.
Needless to say, Im disappointed in this test kit. I think I'm going to try to get a refund or exchange. Do you think I got a bad test kit? Are the colors off for everyone else too? Should I use a different test kit like AP maybe?
