Experience with ABC reagent with Trident

[ekandler]

I’ve seen only one or two posts discussing ABC Reagent as an alternative reagent for the Trident, but it’s not discussed much and I haven’t seen a review.

I'm considering switching but I’m concerned of the results, if the trident doesn’t accurately test then it’s meaningless, and any money I save is worthless in comparison.

anyone have any experience with it and want to share their results?

I’d also be curious to know what it is, is someone just copying the Neptune reagent?

Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

Honestly, even the bonafide Trident reagents drift between batches (and the calibration solution is borderline useless). I find that I often need to manually recalibrate whenever I switch out one or more reagent bottles.

I haven't used the "generic" stuff, but from what I understand - yes, they're basically (cheaper) copies of the Neptune reagents. Whether they're as accurate I couldn't honestly say. I don't think there's any harm in giving it a try in your Trident system, though.

You can also cut down on your reagent use by implementing a custom Trident schedule (many of us have).

 

[Manny’s Reef]

I’ve seen only one or two posts discussing ABC Reagent as an alternative reagent for the Trident, but it’s not discussed much and I haven’t seen a review.

I'm considering switching but I’m concerned of the results, if the trident doesn’t accurately test then it’s meaningless, and any money I save is worthless in comparison.

anyone have any experience with it and want to share their results?

I’d also be curious to know what it is, is someone just copying the Neptune reagent?

Thanks!

Working good for me so far though I haven't had it long term. I see no difference.

Is it someone copying Neptune reagent? Pretty much if that's what you want to call it. It's more a scientist who took the reagents to his lab. Was able to ascertain exactly what was being used. He was disgusted with the markup and decided he would provide the exact same thing for half the cost. I think that's more accurate. Check out his livestream with Telegraham.

 

[areefer01]

Is it someone copying Neptune reagent? Pretty much if that's what you want to call it. It's more a scientist who took the reagents to his lab. Was able to ascertain exactly what was being used. He was disgusted with the markup and decided he would provide the exact same thing for half the cost. I think that's more accurate. Check out his livestream with Telegraham.

TL; DR - reverse engineer

 

[Gtinnel]

I have used it and can’t tell a difference. As far as I can tell it is exactly the same thing. Just make sure to keep some extra trident reagent bottles, because it doesn’t come in a bottle that fits into the trident.

 

[ekandler]

You can also cut down on your reagent use by implementing a custom Trident schedule (many of us have).

So I did do that, changed to 2/1/1 schedule to double the 6 month supply to 1 year. After about a year of that, what I’ve noticed is pretty large drift in tested values with the the 4 month span between calibration rather than 2 months.

If I could get calibration solution somewhere other than the 2 month reagent box, I’d just calibrate more frequently, but last time I calibrated my alk was 1.4dkh lower after calibrating.

 

[Manny’s Reef]

So I did do that, changed to 2/1/1 schedule to double the 6 month supply to 1 year. After about a year of that, what I’ve noticed is pretty large drift in tested values with the the 4 month span between calibration rather than 2 months.

If I could get calibration solution somewhere other than the 2 month reagent box, I’d just calibrate more frequently, but last time I calibrated my alk was 1.4dkh lower after calibrating.

Good point. I would definitely recommend purchasing this. I mean, what do you have to lose? $20? If you're in this hobby, I know you can spare $20.

 

[Gtinnel]

So I did do that, changed to 2/1/1 schedule to double the 6 month supply to 1 year. After about a year of that, what I’ve noticed is pretty large drift in tested values with the the 4 month span between calibration rather than 2 months.

If I could get calibration solution somewhere other than the 2 month reagent box, I’d just calibrate more frequently, but last time I calibrated my alk was 1.4dkh lower after calibrating.

I just test my tank water multiple times with manual tests that I trust then calibrate the trident with my tanks water using the average of my manual tests.

 

[Gtinnel]

There is also some reference solution that can be bought from Fauna Marin. I’ve never personally used it though.

Saltwater Multi Reference Solution

The only reference solution based on a saltwater matrix that includes 8 of the most popular parameters for saltwater aquariums in a single solution. Fauna Marin’s Multi-Reference Solution is used to check your home water test kits for accuracy. Using your water test kits at home, you can measure...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[areefer01]

If you want to calibrate either reagent sets keep a bottle of Fauna Marin multi reference solution. Good for 6 months after it is opened assuming the hobbyist caps it and stores it properly.

@Gtinnel my reply was in flight with yours. I keep Fauna Marin on hand, it works well both calibration and checks if needed. Not expensive either.

 

[ekandler]

There is also some reference solution that can be bought from Fauna Marin. I’ve never personally used it though.

Yeah I haven’t either, but I’ve been recommended it. I need to check it out.

 

[JeffB418]

Looks like they could be coming to a retailer near you soon! https://www.coralvue.com/abc-automated-testing-reagents

 

[Manny’s Reef]

I've also talked to my LFS and sounds like he is interested in trying to sell them from his location.

 

[Poriferabob]

I switched to ABC Reagents about a month ago. Everything was working well for about two weeks with only a slight drift from the Neptune reagent numbers. Over the last week, I've been getting a lot of "Test A Fails" and one "Test B Fail" that I had not seen before.
To be fair, my Trident is going on 3 years old and has not had the Neptune Systems Recommended Service yet.
Not sure if my Trident just needs servicing, or if its the reagents causing the fails.

 

[ShoreReefer]

I switched to ABC Reagents about a month ago. Everything was working well for about two weeks with only a slight drift from the Neptune reagent numbers. Over the last week, I've been getting a lot of "Test A Fails" and one "Test B Fail" that I had not seen before.
To be fair, my Trident is going on 3 years old and has not had the Neptune Systems Recommended Service yet.
Not sure if my Trident just needs servicing, or if its the reagents causing the fails.

I had the same thing happen after a few months of using ABC Reagents and like you, my trident was 2 1/2 years old. Turns out it just needed the recommended service as the light for the cuvette had stopped working. Everything is fine now.

 

[Manny’s Reef]

I've been using ABC reagents for about 8 months now. No issues whatsoever.

 

[Doctorgori]

Does ABC have a longer shelf live?

…between the initial cost and expiration date the original stuff is close to being a racket

 

[areefer01]

Does ABC have a longer shelf live?

I do not see it noted on their portal or FAQ. Best bet would be to contact them. I've personally not used their products but having used other test kits, and products that use reagent or solutions, most have a shelf life. They also have lot numbers. Make of that as you will.

…between the initial cost and expiration date the original stuff is close to being a racket

Initial cost of? Reagent expiration should be expected just as manual test kits having them. Racket - I'll pass. Everyone has a different tolerance for things like these.

 

[Gtinnel]

Does ABC have a longer shelf live?

…between the initial cost and expiration date the original stuff is close to being a racket

The owner has said before that they do not have an expiration.

 

[firefighterj80]

I just switched from Trident to ABC reagents last night. My Ca dropped 102 points. Any idea what would cause this?