API kh test vs. trident calibration fluid

[Mirkus]

I’ve used api kh test kit for the longest time because it’s quick, cheap, and accurate enough. Prior to switching over years ago my api and Salifert used to test out about the same.

I recently picked up a trident and have been shocked to see my alk ranging between 6.3-6.7 vs my api test of 8 dkh. Also, used my api test on the trident calibration fluid and got 10 (9.5ish) vs the fluid reference of 8.35. I have no idea which number to believe. Anyone else compare their trident results vs. API or Salifert?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Interesting. I use API all the time and use Salifert as my backup if I ever get a flaky reading. And like your experience, mine have always been VERY close to the same results. I've never tried a calibration fluid on either one though.

So I'll follow along.

 

[dadnjesse]

The Trident calibration fluid is an all in one Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium. I don't think you can just test it for Alkalinity and use that for comparison.

 

[Mirkus]

all in one = saltwater. at least that was my thought( for the calibration fluid). It is saltwater with the stated values.... but who the heck knows.

The disconnect between my api and trident is consistent with my testing of reference solution.

tank:
API - 8
Trident - 6.3-6.7

reference solution:
API - 10 (closer to 9.5)
Trident - 8.35
Reference - 8.35

 

[Pntbll687]

I would just keep using what has gotten you here with good results.

I use the API kh test as well. It gets me close enough, and keeps things consistent. It may not be the most accurate, but if you're consistent with it and your dosing then you'll see success.

Don't give yourself "testing paralysis" (I think I should trademark that phrase) by using multiple test against each other and worrying about all sorts differences that aren't there.

 

[Mirkus]

I would just keep using what has gotten you here with good results.

I use the API kh test as well. It gets me close enough, and keeps things consistent. It may not be the most accurate, but if you're consistent with it and your dosing then you'll see success.

Don't give yourself "testing paralysis" (I think I should trademark that phrase) by using multiple test against each other and worrying about all sorts differences that aren't there.

though my results have been good they have not been great. It’s all due the fact that my dkh has been running 1dkh too low. I’ve found the missing link!!

 

[User1]

Neptune Trident calibration fluid is really a one and done bottle or use. It is not recommend to cap, store, and use later. So if you are going to run comparison tests you need to do it within one or two hours of opening it when using the left overs. Having said that there are some here, myself recently, that will cap it off and use it later to do such as you describe. Use the fluid in other kits.

I've pulled a water sample at 11:55 AM just before the noon test and sent off to ATI and a week later compared those results. ATI and Trident dead on or within error margin. I also used the calibration fluid the same day and compared manual Hanna results with ATI and Trident. Again, spot on.

Personally speaking I've had zero issues with the numbers being outside their respected margin of error. Trident reads 8.1 Hanna says 8.4. Close enough and call it a day. No reason for me to test manually, ever. Phosphate once in a while with my normal ATI ICP tests once or twice a year.

 

[Mirkus]

Neptune Trident calibration fluid is really a one and done bottle or use. It is not recommend to cap, store, and use later. So if you are going to run comparison tests you need to do it within one or two hours of opening it when using the left overs. Having said that there are some here, myself recently, that will cap it off and use it later to do such as you describe. Use the fluid in other kits.

I've pulled a water sample at 11:55 AM just before the noon test and sent off to ATI and a week later compared those results. ATI and Trident dead on or within error margin. I also used the calibration fluid the same day and compared manual Hanna results with ATI and Trident. Again, spot on.

Personally speaking I've had zero issues with the numbers being outside their respected margin of error. Trident reads 8.1 Hanna says 8.4. Close enough and call it a day. No reason for me to test manually, ever. Phosphate once in a while with my normal ATI ICP tests once or twice a year.

thanks for the info! I tested the calibration fluid with my api test immediately following my trident calibration so that shouldn’t be an issue (not following why calibration fluid expires anyway as long as it’s capped).

good to see that your trident tested out so close to ati. maybe I’ll do the same to validate my trident results.