How different is "all over the place"?
Here are my examples. I tested with Salifert Test kits
Tests were a week apart here were my readings. Tank is fairly new and just finishing cycling
10/11
Salifert tests
Salinity -1.026
alk-7.7dkh
ph-8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 25
Calcium -490
10/18 Week later and 3 water changes - Salifert Test again
Salinity- 1.026
alk - 6.7dkh
ph-8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 0
Calcium 480
Got my idip and started testing. I used a bunch of strips since I wasn't sure if I was getting accurate readings. Here is what I was getting.
10/22
570 pH PH:7.8
570 Alkalinty, Total AL : LO ppm
10/24
570 pH PH :7.9pH
570 Nitrate, Marine Water N03 : 15ppm
570 Alkalinty, Total AL: HI ppm
570 Phosphate P04: LO ppm
10/25
570 Total Hardness High THH : HI ppm
570 Alkalinty, Total AL: 108ppm
570 pH PH: HI pH
570 Nitrate, Marine Water NO3 : 15ppm
With the nitrate test the idip unit kept counting up and after about 5 mins I just hit read and gave me the 15 number. It never read on its own. I could not get Ammonia to work at all and wasn't sure if I needed just to use the test strips or the drops or a combo of both. And if just the drops how many to use. New to meter testing but not new to reef testing. I test often with the Salifert testers so this sort of testing was exciting due to the ease and tracking aspect. any insight is welcome. could very well be user error.