test kits

11 posts • Page 1 of 2

Discuss all topics related to saltwater / reef tanks.


blueshoes2208
 
Posts: 1077
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:01 pm

test kits

by blueshoes2208

ok so i didnt know they made a billion diff test kits.... what the heck do i need to b looking at here??


schigara
 
Posts: 468
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:42 pm

by schigara

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. Most important!

Calcium, Magnesium and alkalinity.

I prefer Salifert brand. API is ok. Tropic Marin is very good as well as Elos.


blueshoes2208
 
Posts: 1077
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:01 pm

by blueshoes2208

k so what is that like 40 bucks?


schigara
 
Posts: 468
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:42 pm

by schigara

The first 3 amm, nitrate and nitrite ar usually about 14-16 bucks each

Ca, mag and alk are about 17-22 bucks each

You only need the first 3 for now while your tank is cycling.


Snowboss4492
 
Posts: 2098
Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:24 pm

by Snowboss4492

so is this salifert test kit a powder medium or liquid?

i have the API liquid test kit and it seems to be testing bad - - my nitrates are showing 140-160 ppm .............i have an instant ocean powder medium kit as well {it's new} and the nitrates are showing 20-40 - -i ran the tests at the same time with the same water - - -and while i don't like the powder kits because it seems to leave some matierial in the little tiny foil packet and i'm affraid of not getting and acurate test - i just want to find the most dependable testing system { without spending hundreds of dollars on electronic meters right now}

you have any more of an opinion on any kits???

Boss


blueshoes2208
 
Posts: 1077
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:01 pm

by blueshoes2208

so its better to get liquid kits??


schigara
 
Posts: 468
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:42 pm

by schigara

Yeah boss, I was referring to Salifert. They are the only ones I buy anymore.

I have had good luck with the API nitrate kit in the past. How old is your kit?

I like the Salifert kits because they are titration meaning, they make a drastic change from one color to another and you count the drops it takes to make the change. This is much more accurate than a kit where you have to compare the color in the tube to a gradient color chart.


Snowboss4492
 
Posts: 2098
Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:24 pm

by Snowboss4492

i think I'll order some of the salifert kits in a week or so ...........

the only numbers i can find on the nitrate bottles on the API are lot numbers

bottle #1 - 17A0607
bottle #2 - 1880907

does that mean anythng to you??

Boss


schigara
 
Posts: 468
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:42 pm

by schigara

Don't know what those numbers mean.


blueshoes2208
 
Posts: 1077
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:01 pm

by blueshoes2208

are those the product numbers??

test kits

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