Tetra 5-in-1 EasyStrips problem

[H.Allen]

I just bought 25 Tetra EasyStrips to use every other day when i get my Axolotl spawn however when i tried to test the water it gave me readings that weren't on the scale.

The pH and KH was white, the GH was all dark, dark purple the NO2 was black and the N03 was red.

I know my pH is about 8 as the area around here is a relatively good one for fish tanks, the water we have has a water softener built in so i don't see how the GH can be above 16. As for the nitrates and nitrites i can't really make sense of those readings.

Anyone had the same problem or solutions?

[oakelm]

I know this sounds a dumb question but are you comparing the sticks the right way round? As I used to use them and the bottom 2 were usually white or pink depending on levels and the higher up ones where green, and my PH is red/orange too
Maybe they were printed the wrong way so are upside down? Or just a dodgy batch that got all mixed up?

[H.Allen]

They were printed back to front, either that's ridiculous or i am.
Anyway, no nitrates and nitrites so i take it im ammonia free

Thanks for your help

[bellabelloo]

I started off using these, but the readings ( as you have found already!) are not accurate. The best tests are the ones with test tubes, The initial outlay may seem expensive, but the readings are far more accurate and they last much longer.