API phosphate test kit question

[birch]

I just started using the API phosphate test kit and am having trouble reading the results. The color seems to match the 0 ppm on the freshwater card and is not close to any of the colors on the saltwater card. I googled pictures of these cards to see if I may have had one that was mis-printed, but it seems to be correct. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[pimpinitup6969]

the api phosphate test kits i have used were worthless!! i now use salifert

 

[birch]

Thanks pimpinitup. Any other opinions on this?

 

[CIGDAZE]

Agreed. The API phosphate test kit is about useless...the first graduation (above zero) is 0.25...by time you even get a hint of color shift, it's too high. Conventional wisdom around there states that your goal is 0.03 or lower.

 

[birch]

Thank you, I will get a better kit like Elos or Sailifert.

 

[ShareReef]

Yes, I know what you mean about the API Phosphate kits. I have two different phosphate kits from API. Both cards say Saltwater but the colors are different. I haven't made it to get a new test yet.

 

[surgeonfishbarb]

I agree. I would use Salifert for that reason alone

 

[Mopar Reefer]

I use API and have never had a problem, how old is your test?

 

[Kenmx10]

I have found with the API Phosphate kit, If you let it sit for 30min to 1hr, It matches the card. Anything before that, cant get an accurate reading.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Yikes,Thirty minutes to an hour. What do they say for a developing period?

 

[Kenmx10]

3 minutes, But you can never distinguish the color at 3. So I set it down and just come back to it in about 30 min.. Then it always matches pretty close.

 

[ShareReef]

What is your reading normally after letting it sit for that long? Mine always turns to a brackish water type color. I think I'm going to find a Salifert!

 

[stanlalee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724737#post14724737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mopar Reefer
I use API and have never had a problem, how old is your test?

Using the test in of itself IS the problem. as stated earlier the resolution is 0.00 and goes straight to 0.25ppm (used to be even worse going straight to 0.5ppm). that is a meaningless resolution when it comes to phosphates. If the ideal phosphate range is <0.03 what good is 0.25ppm. your either getting a reading of no phosphates which is absurd or your getting a reading of sky high. tells you virtually nothing.