A reagent solution includes water, a nucleotide, and tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine in a range of 0.5 μM to 1000 μM. The reagent solution can further include a non-ionic surfactant in an amount of 0.001% to 1% or a biocidal agent in an amount of 0.001% to 1%. The reagent solution can include salts, such as sodium chloride or magnesium sulfate.