i wondering, after i add the solution to test each water sample do you wait a minute after shaking it, or look instantly. I have noticed that immediately after i shake the test tube the color is normal, but if i wait a minute the color gets darker. So should i follow the color after a minute or the initial color. wow this is confusing sorry!

Each test kit should have instructions about how long you should wait. It depends upon who your manufacturer is how long you need to wait, though with my test kits it seems a consistent five minutes.

For the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc test kits it goes:

PH: 5ml water, 3 drops solution, shake, read immediately
Ammonia: 5ml water, 8 drops solution 1, 8 drops solution 2, shake, wait five minutes, read
Nitrite: 5ml water, 5 drops solution, shake, wait five minutes, read
Nitrate: 5ml water, 10 drops solution 1, shake, shake solution 2 for 30 seconds, 10 drops solution 2, shake 1 minute, wait five minutes, read

As you can see, it depends upon which test you are using, and I'm sure each manufacturer will have different instructions.

I use the API test kit full instructions are given in the booklet you get with the kit.All drop test kits come with full instructions.

My API Maser Test Kit even has step by step instruction cards to make things more simple.