Time to Get a Test Kit ~ Recommendations?
- Thread starter linda lee
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I love me Sera kit that has every "normal" test in one carrying case... It has worked well for me over the years. but the whole case and 10 different types of tests is like $100. (Some of the tests are only for FW so it is a bit of a waste)
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I definately second the Salifert recommendation. However, any test kit that is titration based (count drips until color change) will work as they are much more accurate than color match tests. Good tests to have: pH, alk, Ca, Mg, Nitrates. In my opinion you should have a test kit for every thing that you dose. No sense in dumping stuff in all willy nilly.
If you're wanting to spend a bit less than Salifert (which are good), the Seachem tests are all good. You tend to get multiple tests per kit whereas the Salifert tests are pretty much one per kit. Their Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium test kits are all titration based.
Unfortunately, I've never seen a pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, or Phosphate test kit that isn't color matching, so that kind of stinks.
Unfortunately, I've never seen a pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, or Phosphate test kit that isn't color matching, so that kind of stinks.
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I've liked my salifert (calc, alk, mg) and seachem (nitrite/nitrate) kits.
Anyone want to actually elaborate on what makes Salifert worth all that extra money or what they feel makes them better? I'm not saying they aren't, just looking for perspective.
I've used Salifert kits for pH, Alk, and Nitrate in the past. I didn't see any significant difference to justify the cost. Even mail order, there's a 30% or so premium over a name like Seachem (which I use for most of my tests now). Ok, so it works out to maybe $50 a year, but that's not chump change.
I do think anything is better than those awful tests that used to come with the little foil packets (IO?) and I like the Seachem tests better than the Hagen ones.
I've used Salifert kits for pH, Alk, and Nitrate in the past. I didn't see any significant difference to justify the cost. Even mail order, there's a 30% or so premium over a name like Seachem (which I use for most of my tests now). Ok, so it works out to maybe $50 a year, but that's not chump change.
I do think anything is better than those awful tests that used to come with the little foil packets (IO?) and I like the Seachem tests better than the Hagen ones.
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i dunno seachems sliding scale for ph and iodide/iodine kind of sucks. maybe im colourblind but its so hard to tell the difference between a light blue, medium blue, and medium darkblue, etc. i really want a pH monitor now.
Proven accuracy over time is why they get the nod from most long time reefers. You can find sporatic problems here and there with them, but overall they have a track record few others can beat.
Two independant studies I know of:
1. Spreadsheet with a local test: http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Farchiv.korallenriff.de%2FSindelfingen2005%2Fmg_ca_2005_sifi.html&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8">http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Farchiv.korallenriff.de%2FSindelfingen2005%2Fmg_ca_2005_sifi.html&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8</a>
original post: [IMG]http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5639100#post5639100">http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5639100#post5639100</a>
2. This one is german, but you can more or less understand the results: [IMG]http://archiv.korallenriff.de/Sindelfingen2005/mg_ca_2005_sifi.html">http://archiv.korallenriff.de/Sindelfingen2005/mg_ca_2005_sifi.html</a>
try this for a translation: [IMG]http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Farchiv.korallenriff.de%2FSindelfingen2005%2Fmg_ca_2005_sifi.html&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8">http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Farchiv.korallenriff.de%2FSindelfingen2005%2Fmg_ca_2005_sifi.html&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8</a>
They also have an open forum on reefcentral.com for discussing problems and issues. To my knowledge, few others keep such an open discussion about their test kits.
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For things that should have a zero value, I would use the cheaper kit. I figure that the cheap kits should do equally well at determining yes or no if there are ammonia or nitrite levels. When measuring calc and alk, I want to know pretty accurately what my actual values are for dosing purposes and prefer the reliability of salifert. As for pH, I can't stand using a colormetric system. I use a pH pen.
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how much is a pH pen?
All titration kits are made equal using the same chemicals unless you get something seriously seriously expensive.
Calcium titration is just magnesium percipitation and an indicator, then dose an acid until the calcium goes back into solution i believe. If you're having a "snow storm" then the result would be very funny and wrong.
I do not trust the alk drip test because i believe it is just checking GH and giving you some rough estimate. Titration test here is also a good way to go.
Magnesium only come in titration
You will need a good eye to see the pH and Nitrate test unless you use a lab equiptment.
yea that is what i am doing and it is working for me but now that i dont have a coral i just look and see if my yellow tang looks stressed and then go and test it at the petco across the road from us. it works also. and i think that purple coral at ur bottom right will show u the most accurate.
