API calcium test kit

[umbrellacorp]

anyone use these? i know they are cheap.. but ive never had a calcium problem until recently. Calcium was low.. they tested it at the store. So i bought the kit to test @ home. Ive dosed twice and i still get the same reading.. i know it cant be right because my coral is back to normal. I get 12-13 drops. It says once the sample turns purple then you should only need to add 1-2 more drops to get your number. EVERY time i test it turns purple at 10 then i add two drops and its a light blue. Is this where i stop? Or do i want a dark blue? I know it cant be that low.. so i guess i just need to figure this kit out. Thinking about buying the hanna test kit.. i have the hanna alk tester and love it. thanks in advance.

 

[liverock27]

I brought one the Hanna Calcium checkers and like it. It has a few more steps than the Alk or Phosphate checkers and only use .1ml of tank water so you have to be very careful on this step or you will not get an accurate reading every time.

 

[rdnelson]

I use the API. I stop at the dark purple which matches the color shown in the directions. I understand it is not spot on but it gives me an idea of where I stand. Mine usually comes in at 420 or 440.

 

[eagle9252]

just started doing mine also. did not test or dose last night. but will tonight. i still like to take samples to the LFS and watch them. i learn more by watching than reading. so want to do it behide closed doors so you cant watch. take your test kit with you and let them watch you and make sure you are doing it correctly.

 

[dme330i]

I like the API Ca test kit.

The color change from rose to blue is pretty clear - it's a straightforward titration method.

12-13 drops seems off - that's only 240-260 Ca.

Is your sample 5ml?
Are you doing 10 drops of bottle 1? Shake. Wait a few seconds.
Then, start dropping bottle 2.

 

[jennm]

I've tested the same sample of water with both API and Seachem. The customer brought in his test because he was sure his calcium was over 600. With Seachem it was 275. And we also used both kits to test the reference sample in the Seachem kit and API was way off on that too.

I've also tested water that tested out consistently with the Seachem as the API. (Different customer, different API kit).

My conclusion is that API can be all over the place.

Just my experience...

Jenn

 

[rdnelson]

How did I know that was coming???? :shades:

JennM;713289 wrote: I've tested the same sample of water with both API and Seachem. The customer brought in his test because he was sure his calcium was over 600. With Seachem it was 275. And we also used both kits to test the reference sample in the Seachem kit and API was way off on that too.

I've also tested water that tested out consistently with the Seachem as the API. (Different customer, different API kit).

My conclusion is that API can be all over the place.

Just my experience...

Jenn

 

[umbrellacorp]

JennM;713289 wrote: I've tested the same sample of water with both API and Seachem. The customer brought in his test because he was sure his calcium was over 600. With Seachem it was 275. And we also used both kits to test the reference sample in the Seachem kit and API was way off on that too.

I've also tested water that tested out consistently with the Seachem as the API. (Different customer, different API kit).

My conclusion is that API can be all over the place.

Just my experience...

Jenn

LOL i figured.. thanks Jenn - Youre always the best at helping. :up: Guess im going to buy the hanna checker.