A question

[Gerry]

With the API water test kit do you take the immediate reading after shaking the tube or let sit a while before taking a reading.
Thanks

[Joe Bifano]

On Ph I think it does not change but on the other 3 they can take up to 5 minutes so you need to wait on these.

[TCLynx]

Yep, read the instructions (which should be in a booklet that comes with the kit) and for those who don't like reading but will look at pictures, the cards for reading the individual tests usually have picture instructions sowing the order of things like adding drops, shaking and then either reading or waiting 5 minutes before reading.  It varies depending on which test you do.

pH tests I believe you shake and read immediately.

All other tests require some amount of waiting.

Nitrate test being the most complex with having to shake different things for different amounts of time and waiting as well.

Water testing videos