Test Kit Opinions

[gadgetguy]

Just looking at which test kit I should buy. And I'm really :biguhm: as to which one I should go with. If everyone could fill out the poll and tell me the pros and cons and if they'd recommend it in the thread, that would be great! :roflmao:

I was looking at the $48 Aquarium Systems Ocean Master kit. It includes 20 of each of the following: Alkalinity, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite and pH. Does anyone use this one and have comments on it? More importantly, how long would it take me to go through 20 tests?

[sphelps]

That's a no brainer, as you'll see from the results

[RobR]

Depending on what you keep in the tank, the main tests you'll run the most are alkalinity and calcium (I guess pH as well if you don't use a pH meter). Figure on testing at least once a week if you are in maintenance mode, more often if you are adjusting levels.

I've lost a lot of faith in Salifert test kits in the past month. They've been having issues with the alk and now calcium test kits, and now the main guy is not responding to the discussions on RC. I've got one of the bad ALK kits, and it's tested 4-5 dkh higher constantly, and as a result, I've got a challenge with a really low alk at the present :(

[Richy]

hey've been having issues with the alk and now calcium test kits, and now the main guy is not responding to the discussions on RC.

Can you post a link to that thread please.

Thanks

Rick.......

[CrazyFish]

Test kits, I'm not to sure if I believe in any one kit. I have used Salifert since I got into the saltwater hobby. I used hagen kits for freshwater and never had a problem. I agree with Rob, you cant convince me Salifert is 100% accurate. I was having some problems with some level readings, so I went out and brought a new Salifert teat kit just in case, the one I was using is a tad old. I receive the same results. I did some research talk to top suppliers on products and some well know reef hobbyist. I tried four of what was suppost to be the top test kits.In this order.
Salifert (made in holland)
Sera (made in Germany)
Elos (made in Italy)
Seachem (made in USA)
AND MY FINAL RESULT WAS ALL READINGS WHERE DIFFERENT.

Tell me which one was correct? In my opinion no test is 100% accurate.But I would stay with a top rated kit. Its the best we have for now.????

[CrazyFish]

Maybe this one Richy

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1236695&highlight=salifert+test+kit

[sphelps]

I agree with everything said, Salifert has had some problems lately but honestly they are not the only ones, many products for a aquariums suffer from time to time. The difference is Salifert has a good reputation and one of the most popular test kits so as soon as a problem occurs with them every reef hobbyist is quick to blame all there problems on them.

The bottom line is you can never completely trust any kind of test kit, I haven't tested anything in my aquarium for over 6 weeks, and I'm not going to be testing anything anytime soon. I simply judge my water chemistry by my corals as they know best. I do constantly monitor temp, pH and salinity, pH is a good indicator of alkalinity levels and with a a proper pH monitor and frequent calibrations you will get accurate results. Even temperature can be funny sometimes if you use three different kinds of measurement you'll likely get three different temperatures, basically you just have to choose one and stick with it.

My final point is regarding testing water chemistry is to not pay so much attention to getting your levels exactly to the point where it matches a page in some book or post on some forum but that it's in some exceptable range and the levels stay constant. Basically stability is more important than the actual amount of each parameter.

[RobR]

Here's the thread that specifically deals with the alkalinity tests:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1185538

Steve is right, without actual laboratory grade equipment like photometers, spectrophotometers, titrators etc. you will never get a precise measurement as a chemical kit designed for the home user is only going to be so close and as CrazyFish found from experience, they're going to range in values. View them as a guideline.

I am contemplating sending a sample to www.aquariumwatertesting.com (http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com) for the fun of it to see where their results fall.

[binghamd]

I agree with sphelps - your corals are the best indicator - once you have an established regime water changes, dosing etc, water testing is ony done occaisionally.

Initial testing (pH calcium, etc) will tell you if your regimen is ok.

Any less expensive master test kits should at least pick up problem areas - high nitrates, ammonia (bad one), nitrites, pH problems.

If you seem to be having probelms - check chemistry & do one or more water changes.

[CrazyFish]

Don't rely on your corals to tell you what your tank is doing. Big mistake only a experience reefer can monitor this way. There are very few experienced reefers on this site in the past while. When your starting out use test kits, till you get to know your system. To tell a rookie to test by your corals is stupid IMO. Steve and myself know what we are doing, some are just learning. When reefers ask questions its usally because there not to sure.

[binghamd]

many sources indicate an established reef takes up to a year or more - until then requires frequent monitoring - by then you should have an established schedule for water changes, etcetera

[gadgetguy]

Anyone know how many tests are in this kit per parameter? "Over 75 Tests!" tells me nothing!

http://www.mops.ca/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/skus/te/TESE-09900.asp?L+scstore+ydtp6710ff3f9e3f+1194763581

[CrazyFish]

If you call mops and ask for Dan he will be able to tell you. 1-888-648-6677.