How to does one ensure that their test kit is defective?

[MVS]

I recently purchased an Aquarium Pharmaceutical’s Phosphate test kit and, as some may already realize, I’m having some strange results.

 

My tanks water: 0ppm phosphates

Fresh batch of SW: 0

Poland spring distilled: .5 - 1

Tap water: 2 or 3

 

I’m assuming a defective kit would produce extreme results; i.e. a 0 reading or inversely a high reading for all water supplies. I’m not sure if this is the safest assumption.

 

PS sorry for the title error...lol

[geekreef_05]

Dude, your results make sense to me.

 

If you doubt your test kit in any way, return it and exchange for something else or the same kit to make sure.

 

happy reefin'

[MVS]

Thanks

 

I guess I was expecting a reading of 0 for distilled.

 

If I top off with this water, maybe 1 – 2 cups per day, can anyone foresee a problem developing in the future?

[tinyreef]

will your lfs doublecheck your readings?

 

i'm not sure if the AP test for SW works accurately for FW (distilled). but as we discussed in your other thread, i think the readings are logical actually.

[MVS]

It is marketed for both fresh and salt but it wouldn’t surprise me if it worked for one better than the other.

 

I think I will bring in a sample of the distilled and go from there.

 

So basically, .25 – 1ppm is ok to use for top offs?