API Drip kits
- Thread starter stickx911
- Start date
I use the API test kits -- but can't say if they how they compare to others in accuracy.
I found the trick to reading them is to hold the vial over the color chart in good light. The color on the chart that you can't see is the color of the test water -- I"m color blind and that's the only way I can tell the reading.
I found the trick to reading them is to hold the vial over the color chart in good light. The color on the chart that you can't see is the color of the test water -- I"m color blind and that's the only way I can tell the reading.
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I use API ALK kit, and it is usually higher by 1 dkh. close enough. some people have good results with their calcium, I did not. I don't know if it's an "ion" thing or not. IMHO
ALK: API
Calcium: Elos
Mag: Salifert or Elos
Nitrate: Salifert or Elos
Phosphate: DD Merck or Hach
PH: any
ALK: API
Calcium: Elos
Mag: Salifert or Elos
Nitrate: Salifert or Elos
Phosphate: DD Merck or Hach
PH: any
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my kit was off my about a 100, however, I know many people that use them with much better results.
check this out:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12831">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12831</a>
& this:
[IMG]http://www.mbenassireef.com/?p=25">http://www.mbenassireef.com/?p=25</a>
check this out:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12831">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12831</a>
& this:
[IMG]http://www.mbenassireef.com/?p=25">http://www.mbenassireef.com/?p=25</a>
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i use them, they suck. im working on just buying all the elos kits so i know what the deal is. they are pretty pricey, but very accurate. they have them at einsteins.
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I've used API test kits extensively. I have tested them against Seachem tests many times and have found them all to be accurate to what they claim on the box. I've found that 99% of the innacuracy has to do with user error.
I use them on some very expensive reef tanks and trust their results because of the results I get.
1. Following the directions exactly.
2. Do not rush the drops from the bottle. Uniform drop size is paramount. Lightly squeeze the bottle and let the drop fall on its own.
3. Do not allow an air bubble to form inside the drop, this changes the volume of the drop.
4. Hold the bottles vertically. The holes in the tips of the bottles release a different size drop for each reagent. A drop from the side of the tip is a different size.
5. Time the tests as per the instructions. Certain chemical reactions must occur, especially on all calcium tests, before you can get an accurate reading. Seachem writes their instructions more thoroughly to slow you down on certain tests to help the end user achieve greater accuracy.
6. Keep your vials clean. Bleach most, use acid on calcium, magnesium, strontium, and carbonate test vials.
7. Use the correct sample size. A Variance of just 1mL on a 5mL sample yields an error of 20%.
I use them on some very expensive reef tanks and trust their results because of the results I get.
1. Following the directions exactly.
2. Do not rush the drops from the bottle. Uniform drop size is paramount. Lightly squeeze the bottle and let the drop fall on its own.
3. Do not allow an air bubble to form inside the drop, this changes the volume of the drop.
4. Hold the bottles vertically. The holes in the tips of the bottles release a different size drop for each reagent. A drop from the side of the tip is a different size.
5. Time the tests as per the instructions. Certain chemical reactions must occur, especially on all calcium tests, before you can get an accurate reading. Seachem writes their instructions more thoroughly to slow you down on certain tests to help the end user achieve greater accuracy.
6. Keep your vials clean. Bleach most, use acid on calcium, magnesium, strontium, and carbonate test vials.
7. Use the correct sample size. A Variance of just 1mL on a 5mL sample yields an error of 20%.
