Re: Seachem Iron Test Kit

["Giancarlo Podio" <gp at isaconsulting_com>]

Hi Greg,

Yes I'm comparing it but I can't tell any difference, the instructions also
say to compare color to color chart correct? Shouldn't I be getting the same
results for both tests? I was hoping the low-range would give me a more
accurate reading seeing my wife and I never seem to see the same color :)

Should I be testing for chelated iron? The instruction sheet (and other
people) suggest to keep an iron value of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/l, is this referring
to chelated iron or not? (I assumed it was but might be wrong).

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it
Giancarlo Podio

----- Original Message -----

  a.. To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
  b.. Subject: Re: Seachem Iron Test Kit
  c.. From: Greg Morin <greg at seachem_com>
  d.. Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 09:52:25 -0500
  e.. In-reply-to: <200304041233.h34CXtlk030193 at otter_actwin.com>
  f.. References: <200304041233.h34CXtlk030193 at otter_actwin.com>

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>Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2003 16:50:38 -0500
>From: "Giancarlo Podio" <gp at isaconsulting_com>
>Subject: Seachem Iron Test Kit
>
>Hi all,
>
>I know this is going to be one of those stupid questions but I've read the
>instructions over and over and I know I'm not understanding something. I
>don't have much problem with the normal test (even though my wife always
>reads a different value than I do) but when it comes to the low-range test
I
>just don't get it. (BTW this is the Seachem Multitest: Iron)
>
>It says to use one scoop of reagent in the low-range cuvette filled with
>water (0.5" from the top) and then wait 45 minutes and compare with color
>chart. I can never get a reading by doing this, the test is always clear.
>With the normal test I get 0.1-0.2 readings. So what am I doing wrong and
>how exactly does the low range test differ from the normal test?

Are you comparing it side by side to the blank cuvette (filled with
water)? This is necessary to discern the very subtle color
development when testing at the low range: From the instructions:


>  Place the blank sample cuvette next to the sample
>cuvette so that you can better distinguish the small changes in
>color in the low range. For
>chelated iron, allow color to develop for 30 to 45 minutes or until
>the color no longer darkens.

The low range test is the same as the regular test, it is just run in
a different container to allow for a longer path length to increase
color saturation at the low end of the scale. If you are not testing
chelated iron you do not need to wait 45 minutes

-Greg