dumb test kit question

[goda]

how am i supposed to compare the test results to the card taht comes with the hagen test kits? after the test is done should i hold the vial verticaly or horizontaly i knotice if i hold it horizontaly the color appears different from vertical. ( since its not as thick it appears lighter)
anyways always wonderd this. not like i cant ell the difference anyways ( especialy on the ph one.. it appears anywhere between 8.1 - 8.5 )

plus comparing a liguid to a piece of paper dosnt seem to work well can you recomend a test kit that uses colored plastic ( kinda clear.. iv seen them for pools before and it seems like a easyer way to test)




iv been in the fish hobby all my life and just now about 15 years after using my first test kit im deciding to ask lol

 

[Maxxumless]

As far as I remember you just place it against the white area and compare the colors. You can also place it in front of a piece of white paper too. Red Sea has a test that you have to look at it from above as do a couple of others, but Hagen are all straight on.

 

[Rob L]

I had the same problem with PH test kit.
Bought a digital PH meter for about $40 and calibration fluid for $7. Accuracy is rated at +- 0.05 PH.

 

[goda]

you hold it against the paper then where do you hold hte paper thats what im getting at

should it be horizontal or vertical ( the tube) when held vertical the chemical is alot thicker. therefor darker and that changes the value

 

[Maxxumless]

Vertical

 

[LaloV.]

Vertical, and with some bright light behind you (natural light).