API test kits and your LFS

[homer1475]

Something has me bothered around here......

Whenever someones tank is out of wack, we always tell everyone to go to an LFS and have them double check their parameters, and/or their own testing numbers. Even still, when we see people using API test kits, we tell them they are notorious for giving bad results, and to go to an LFS for a second look.

Now I don't know about you guys, but every LFS I've been in(trust me I've been pretty much in every LFS I can find between NY, CT, VT, PA, and NJ. Pretty sure I've hit just about everyone I can find, but sure I've missed a couple along the way) that does "free" water testing uses API kits. If we tell people who are using API to get a second opinion on there testing, what good is this second opinion if the LFS is using the same test kits?

While I will agree that API isn't always bad/wrong, we do know for certain their ammonia kit is flawed for marine use. Their nitrate and phosphate kits don't measure low enough for what we deem acceptable for a reef tank, and I personally have never used their Alkalinity kit, but have heard/seen it's decent enough to trust.

Thoughts?

 

[bevo5]

I'd say - generally speaking - people who are relatively newer to the hobby are the ones most likely to benefit from taking their water into the store to get tested. While they might be using the same tests, it's good that now this newer hobbyist is talking to some (hopefully) smart people who will be able to directly help.

I'd think of it like this - go talk to some smart people who will see the results for themselves vs. trying to upload pictures of the vials and then get tons of responses from the internet. Much easier to have a conversation in real time and get the products that might help.

It's also 100% more reassuring when someone looks at that little bit of green in the ammonia vial and says it's OK.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

The alk and ca tests are ok. They're close enough for a general use. If you're trying to maintain a specific number on something it won't answer the bill. The problem with their ca test is if you're maintaining 420+ ca and testing weekly, you're going to run out of the #2 bottle pretty quick. If I remember right, 420 is around 22-24 drops per test. Their alk test is just 1 drop per dkh, so it'll last a while. It's not good enough to get accurate into tenths, but good enough to get you within .5 dkh.

 

[Billdogg]

The only test kits I have seen being used at the LFS's around here is Salifert.

 

[Deschutes541]

The main concern with a newbie is they preformed the test incorrectly (added too many/few drops, didn't shake long enough, etc.).

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Florida resident here. Been to just about all LHS in a 100 mile radius from where I live. Every single one uses API. Best to research and get your own test kit.

With Google and YouTube anyone should be able to learn what they need to do.

 

[NS Mike D]

The main concern with a newbie is they preformed the test incorrectly (added too many/few drops, didn't shake long enough, etc.).

not just newbies. I've been testing for 5 years now and I bet I would get different readings if I did a second test right after the initial. Just when do you stop dropping the ALK titration in a Red Sea test? I know what the instructions say, but i have never with certainty been able so say "right there" to a single drop. I usually end up going past by a few drops and then estimate where the previous point was.

When I add the powders, do I use a knife to level off the spoon or use a scale to measure out the the precise gram? Nope, I try to scrape off excess along the container and eyeball level.

I didn't consider LFS using API for NO3 and PO4 as their shortcomings for reef tanks. Chaulk that up to the long list of the of sub-par LFS risks.