This might be a bit of a long writeup, but I promised API representatives I will share my story so the hobby and the community knows they don't stand by their product. When I got in to the hobby a few years ago, I started out with API Master Test Kit as I thought it was a nice package that had everything I needed to start with. Over the years and learning I of course bought better test kits, Red Sea and Salifert, and I am working my way up to Hanna, but for daily testing I still rely on API for Nitrates. My previous testkit was running out, down to the last few tests so I bought another kit. First thing I usually do is test out the new kit to make sure it works, and surprise - 0 nitrates. So I thought I contact API support to let them know I had a bad kit and to see how they wanted to handle it.
My email to API on March 20th:
I have an API Nitrate testkit that doesn't work. Confirmed by both Salifert and RedSea test kits, API kit always shows 0 no matter what. It was purchased on amazon.com and expiration date on reagents is 08/2017.
Response:
Dear Vlad,
Thank you for inquiring at API. Specially, with the nitrate test, the bottle #2 has a powdered zinc in it that if it isn't shaken for the full 30seconds the suspension rate between reagent and powdered zinc is no longer correct, which in turn could also give inaccurate results. If it doesn't have the correct suspension rate once, from that point on the nitrate liquid test will give you inaccurate results. Try testing bottled water or tap water to see if you get 0ppm results to confirm that test kit is correct. Otherwise, if it does not than we would recommend to purchase a new kit.
Thank you,
Amy Hill
My response on March 21st:
Hi Amy. I also have a full API test kit and the Nitrate reagents there work as expected, so I don't think it's me. I follow the instructions and shake them even longer then required.
The main reason I bought the nitrate test kit is because I am almost out of reagents in the full test kit
Best,
Vlad
I have not heard back from API until I send them another email on the 28th, I guess individual hobbyists are not important to them. I did hear back from them this morning, with a 2000 word essay basically saying go away and test kit is ok. Even though I confirmed it doesn't with with their test kit, Red Sea test kit and Salifert test kit. Best advice they have for me is buy our product again.
Seriously??? Nah, I will save my money and buy better product. If anyone is ever in doubt if better test kits are worth it, let this be the example. Spend a little more, it goes a long way. Stay away from API.
My email to API on March 20th:
I have an API Nitrate testkit that doesn't work. Confirmed by both Salifert and RedSea test kits, API kit always shows 0 no matter what. It was purchased on amazon.com and expiration date on reagents is 08/2017.
Response:
Dear Vlad,
Thank you for inquiring at API. Specially, with the nitrate test, the bottle #2 has a powdered zinc in it that if it isn't shaken for the full 30seconds the suspension rate between reagent and powdered zinc is no longer correct, which in turn could also give inaccurate results. If it doesn't have the correct suspension rate once, from that point on the nitrate liquid test will give you inaccurate results. Try testing bottled water or tap water to see if you get 0ppm results to confirm that test kit is correct. Otherwise, if it does not than we would recommend to purchase a new kit.
Thank you,
Amy Hill
My response on March 21st:
Hi Amy. I also have a full API test kit and the Nitrate reagents there work as expected, so I don't think it's me. I follow the instructions and shake them even longer then required.
The main reason I bought the nitrate test kit is because I am almost out of reagents in the full test kit
Best,
Vlad
I have not heard back from API until I send them another email on the 28th, I guess individual hobbyists are not important to them. I did hear back from them this morning, with a 2000 word essay basically saying go away and test kit is ok. Even though I confirmed it doesn't with with their test kit, Red Sea test kit and Salifert test kit. Best advice they have for me is buy our product again.
Seriously??? Nah, I will save my money and buy better product. If anyone is ever in doubt if better test kits are worth it, let this be the example. Spend a little more, it goes a long way. Stay away from API.
