Review my tests please

Psiber_Syn · Mar 4, 2016

Mr Randy you have helped me a few times was wondering if you could once again

The tests I use are api and red sea cal mag alk
The ph is around 8.1 or so
Nitrate slight orange
Phos barely colored
Alk with api is 13 dkh and 9.8 red sea
Cal 400 api and 375 red sea
Mag abt 1200

Is it normal for the diff test to be that much of diff readings?

I know you prolly can't tell from the pic but here is the results

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 5, 2016

There is, unfortunately, a lot of variability between test kits, and often between measurements by a single hobbyist with the same kit.

The alk tests would be the most concerning with that difference. I've not used either of those kits, but many others have and I'd expect them to be closer together. With the Red Sea, there seems to be some confusion about the endpoint as they have two kits around, and the endpoints seem to be different colors.

Psiber_Syn · Mar 5, 2016

The syringe I have had a stop point measuring system set it to 5 ml and it should yield the same every time I have found this has helped get the same amount of water each time as for the red sea syringes I noticed when filling to 1ml sometimes it fills to 9.3ish and others 9.8 ish that is with the syringe top on it just is kind of confusing is there a dip meter that is like a ph meter or something that tests better I know the Hanna meters but they are color based also am I correct? Just looking for the simplest test kit to give simple readings as judging end colors are not easy lol

jason2459 · Mar 5, 2016

I agree that alk kits seem to be the most consistent with each other between brands. Usually at least with in 1dKH unless there is user error, kit has defects or bad reagent.

Edit:
Also, to the above post, make sure the tip is fully pushed in. I found the tips as they came on in the syringe already with the Red Sea kit were not pushed all the way on.

jason2459 · Mar 5, 2016

Psiber_Syn said:
The syringe I have had a stop point measuring system set it to 5 ml and it should yield the same every time I have found this has helped get the same amount of water each time as for the red sea syringes I noticed when filling to 1ml sometimes it fills to 9.3ish and others 9.8 ish that is with the syringe top on it just is kind of confusing is there a dip meter that is like a ph meter or something that tests better I know the Hanna meters but they are color based also am I correct? Just looking for the simplest test kit to give simple readings as judging end colors are not easy lol

For pH I much prefer a probe. If love and have used a hand held Hanna pH, temp, ORP meter for many years. They make several versions that include pH with other parameters like TDS/conductivity etc. Test kits are generally not well prepared to handle the very small range we try and keep our water in. Make sure to calibrate with at least 7 and 10 pH solutions.

For digital PO4 I like the Hanna 736 ULR Checker. They also cover many other parameters as well. I've also used and liked the Alk Checker. I have used any of their others. I'd suggest looking at reviews for any you look at. Like calcium I know hasn't gotten many favourable reviews.

For salinity there's the Milwaukee digital seawater refractometer. Many people really like it. It is very easy to use. At least mine tends to read a bit high. My son uses it for "his" 20g long mantis tank.

Pinpoint makes some digital readers as well. I've only used the salinity (conductivity) probe which I find dependable and accurate if used right. It is succeptable to many different kinds of interferences as do most conductivity probes.

I am looking forward towards the development of other digital meters like mindstream and iDip but they just aren't ready yet.

Otherwise for more of an investment hach has some equipment and can go way up from there cost wise to get digital testing equipment.