professional aquarium water testing

[surfn]

does anyone know anything about this? i've seen it start to pop up over on RC

http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com/ref_kit.php

kinda expensive, the 4 pack of test vials comes in at $100, so that really is about $25, plus cost of runing the test ~$2, plus shipping just to run 1 test.

 

[surfn]

example of the email report.....although, sometimes in the report it looks like there is a high level, but they say it is low.......i'm sure its just a clerical error since its an example

http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com/AWT_email_sample.pdf

 

[surfn]

oh wow, the kit already comes with 4 USPS priority shipping boxes, with prepaid postage!! i guess thats why its so expensive.......duh. that sounds about right at about $20 to ship each package.

 

[surfn]

interesting, they have a monthly subscription.......and while that is probably overkill for my use........it may be interesting to monitor the progression changes in ion concentrations.

http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com/monthly_test.php

i'm gonna have to think long and hard about this one......its very tempting. and while i shouldn't be spending frivilous at the moment......its QUITE tempting.

anyone see any links over to RC or other forums in which people already have experience with these reports?

 

[chadfarmer]

dont know i have a friend that works at the water company (he can test for a lot of stuff)

 

[surfn]

dont know i have a friend that works at the water company (he can test for a lot of stuff)

using what kind of equipment?

looks like this place does their nitrate test via titration, which is interesting b/c i was trying to get equipment for that at the last lab i worked at..but the probes were like $800 each.

 

[gm333]

It was my understanding that if water that was left in heat or cold will effect testing. I know the lfs's in my area tell you to make sure and bring the samples straight from home.

 

[surfn]

It was my understanding that if water that was left in heat or cold will effect testing. I know the lfs's in my area tell you to make sure and bring the samples straight from home.

that is true, and they do address that issue......as they dont test for pH b/c of this.

but they claim that b/c their results are 1000x more accurate than your standard test kit, any shift in results due to temp variation would still be less than the error associated at home test kits.

also, many advanced testing titrators and other equipment, can take into account the temperature and adjust results accordingly (something our at home test kits cannot do).

but there would almost definitley be an increase in NH3, NO2, and NO3 due to die off of microbes in the water when shipping in extream temps. this increase however may be miniscule. (plus or minus 1ppm)