Water sample

I was going to take a sample by my lfs today, to compare my test results to what they get. But I have to make one stop on the way. I'm wondering how long the sample can sit, and still provide accurate results?

 

i think only 10-20 mins for ph, but i would assume for the other tests will be good for a couple hours. thats just my guess, i havent done any research into this as most of my lfs charge to test water, and like im gonna pay for that lol

 

Yeah, ph will change for sure and is not worth testing. Everything else I believe should be fine, try and keep the temperature stable. I believe if it changes too much it's possible some stuff could precipitate out a little, especially if the ph changes a lot as well. I would try and seal it up well in a very clean jar/bottle etc and throw it in a little cooler or something to try and keep everything as stable as possible.

 

Thanks folks. Damned tupperware, most of the water spilled inside my car on the way down there (I tend to take curves a little fast from time to time). Anyway, there was enough left for the tests, and long story short I came home with three fish! Two clarkii, and one fairy wrasse. My daughter picked them out (she wasn't in the car during the fast turns, she was my stop on the way). She's very, very excited!