Need help with Salifert NO3 test instructions

[Easily Distracted]

I just picked up a new Salifert NO3/Nitrate test kit. I love the accuracy of the Salifert kits but just to vent for a second - every time I buy a new kit it seems like it's been dragged behind the delivery truck and has missing or broken parts or the instructions are inconsistent and/or leave a lot to be desired.
OK. I'm frustrated but I'll stop bashing.
The NO3 kit I picked up has the instructions on a stip of paper about 1/3 of a sheet wide and I'm wondering if they might have been revised recently. The date on the top is 01-2012. Here's my problem. The instrutions say to fill the test vial with 1 ml of aquarium water. 1 ml of water doesnt even cover the bottom of the 20 ml vial. I started thinking that ok, maybe after adding the powders it will cover the bottom and I will in fact be able to get an accurate reading. Then I read the low range instructions and it says to read the color chart through the side of the vial. This will be impossible because as I mentioned, the sample doesn't even cover the bottom.
Are the instructions for filling the vial missing a zero?
Does anyone with a Salifert NO3 test kit with a wide, 20 ml vial and two powder reagents have directions that state 10 ml instead of 1 ml?

 

[jiriki]

1 ml is probably correct unless they changed their formula. I use 1ml in mine. It seems very little but it will dissolve completely.

I am guessing, as with any standard, keeping all the vials and spoons, etc the same across all of their test kits save money in manufacturing. So in this case, all the tools are overkill, but still serve the purpose.

 

[Easily Distracted]

I am guessing, as with any standard, keeping all the vials and spoons, etc the same across all of their test kits save money in manufacturing. So in this case, all the tools are overkill, but still serve the purpose.

That's the thing. This vial is totally different than the vials in any of my other salifert kits. Its much bigger. I'll try to get a picture.

 

[Phishy Staff]

1mL is correct

 

[Easily Distracted]

1mL is correct

Got it! Beat me to the punch. One of the Phishy guys was kind enough to confirm the 1ml as well as the correct vial size earlier today. Ran the test and am happy to report that it came back with nothing detectable in both med and low test values. : )

 

[jiriki]

That's the thing. This vial is totally different than the vials in any of my other salifert kits. Its much bigger. I'll try to get a picture.

It is? I think all of mine have been the same. The plastic, semi-square bottom with round top. I have phosphate, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites salifert test kits. I could be wrong on some as I have only used them a handful of times.

 

[Easily Distracted]

Yeah. The new vial is the semi-square bottom with round top type but my Ca, Mg, KH/Alk and pH are all a thin, round vials so it spooked me. I'm all set now. Oh, and I just want to state that my comment about the condition of the kits has nothing to do with Phishy or any one shop. I have purchased them from several places over the years around here and the East Coast and noticed this at various shops.