PO4 test kit

Nomadic1 · Aug 21, 2013

What's the best test kit out there available to our hobby? I don't want a photometer, especially not one of those hannah checkers, as I hate the little reagent packs. I have an H2Ocean test kit, but, ever since I got it, it never reads below 0.08 ppm. Even if I test freshly made RO/DI water, it registers .08, and, wouldn't you know, the standard solution they provide with the kit to allow you to verify that the kit is working is ALSO a 0.08 PPM solution, so, as you can see, there's no way for me to verify it's actually working. I even took some tank water tonight, reacted it with some SeaKlear phosphate remover, and then proceeded to filter it through filter floss and then a 10 micron filter sock. All the precipitated crystals were removed in the process. I tested this water, and, it too registers at 0.08 PPM phosphate, so, obviously, the kit isn't working. The old D-D Merck kit that was out a few years ago was excellent, in my opinion, but, they discontinued it and replaced it with this one.

Thanks!

Dtech07 · Aug 21, 2013

Outside of going electric tester IMHO Salifet or Elos

Reefing Madness · Aug 21, 2013

+1 on the Salifert

Nomadic1 · Aug 21, 2013

Dtech07 said:
Outside of going electric tester IMHO Salifet or Elos

What is the range these kits test? The H20Ocean kit tests from 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.36 PO4 in the high sensitivity range.

Dtech07 · Aug 21, 2013

Honestly after running a heavy stocked reef tank for a few years now you will drive yourself crazy looking for exacts. That's my personal opinion. Salifet and Elos are both in the +/- .03 range so that has work great for me and most reefers.

mcarroll · Aug 25, 2013

I would judge by algae growth vs using a drip test I think. Accuracy is similar if not better.

Drip tests are really only good enough to tell you "yes/no if you have a problem or not". Same info I get from algae and other tank looks.

I sympathize about the packets of the Hanna meters....but if getting accurate Po4 reading is desirable, I can tell you the packets get a lot easier with practice. Definitely practice the technique that Hanna shows in their youtube videos.

-Matt