Problem with doing a Strontium test

Ruzology · Mar 3, 2021

I have a Salifert test kit and have tested for calcium as the first stage in the test kiytbut when I reach step 8 adding x2 level spoons of Sr-5 I get a light ink/purple colour. Then 12 min later I need to add drops of Sr-3 until the colour changes to blue. Problem is after 12 min the colour is already blue! Does than mean my Strontium level is off the chart low and I ned to add this element or is my test kit faulty. Or possibly too old as I have had it for a long time...

Peace River · Mar 3, 2021

I'm not familiar with that specific test kit for that item, but I did want to jump in and welcome you to Reef2Reef!

Fred2482 · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome, I have never utilized Saliferts test kit for Strontium, however I would bring a sample to the fish store and ask them to verify before adding anything.

P-Dub · Mar 3, 2021

WELCOME!!! That is a good question. I am unfamiliar with Salifert and how Strontium levels affect the Calcium test. Someone here might very well use Salifert and help you out.

Billldg · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

Fellow R2R members, correct me if I am wrong, but, I believe none of the trace elements test kits are really accurate. They just don't measure in the low range very well. The margin of error is just to wide.

I use the Trident test for those reasons.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 3, 2021

The Salifert test kit is a titration based test and is relatively easy to use. It just takes a little longer as you first test for calcium and then move onto the final step, this takes between 12-15 minutes. Strontium appears and looks like calcium, as it gets deposited into precipitating calcium carbonate in place of calcium. This is also true whether its a coral depositing its skeleton, or abiotic precipitation on heaters, pumps, etc.
Strontium will decline in a reef tank if it is not supplemented somehow. Im not sure thought , what would happen when it gets high but if you don't dose strontium, it is very unlikely to get high. An ICP test would give you a more precise count on your Sr levels.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 3, 2021

Ippyroy · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to R2R!

KJ · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

MERKEY · Mar 3, 2021

HHello and welcome to R2R!

G Santana · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to R2R

Salty Rambler · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to R2R! It might be worth having your LFS repeat the test and see if your results match. If not, it may be time to buy a new test kit if your kit may have reached the end of its lifespan.