Rickyrooz
Acropora Nut
Which test kits are more reliable or accurate? I saw the Salifert calcium test kit is more sensitive than the Elos because the Elos measures Ca every 25ppm. I'm interested in the KH, Ca and Mg test kits.
Salifert vs. Elos
- Thread starter Rickyrooz
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Within the range it measures, i believe ELOS tests are FAR superior. They are 10x faster to do, which means you are far more likely to keep up with testing.
If you need more precise numbers, youll need to look into Lamotte test kits, which are VERY expensive, and IME, not worth the extra money.
If you need more precise numbers, youll need to look into Lamotte test kits, which are VERY expensive, and IME, not worth the extra money.
Yep, me too. Im one of those guys that if its not perfect, i wont use it. Salifert tests are a problem for a couple reasons.
1. Availability can shift drastically.
2. To many steps, and too much counting.
Elos tests are, add water, powder, and count maybe 8-9 drops. Much nicer than counting 35 drops or so, and a lot faster.
1. Availability can shift drastically.
2. To many steps, and too much counting.
Elos tests are, add water, powder, and count maybe 8-9 drops. Much nicer than counting 35 drops or so, and a lot faster.
Spiderwoman
Active Member
Thanks for the info Junior. I'm about to run out of my Salifert tests so I'm going to look into Elos for sure 
AquaWorldPSC
Well-Known Member
I am a Elos fan after using Sailfert for years
Spiderwoman
Active Member
How many tests can you perform for example with the calcium and alkalinity tests? I haven't found an answer to that on MD site.
Spiderwoman
Active Member
Where do you order your Elos?
All the same, i like Elos. The calclium and alk kits have been great. I will infact start buying the API Kh kits though.
AquaWorldPSC
Well-Known Member
Elos only comes trough one central distributor. Elos has made a agreement that only certain online vendors can sell them. And there are very few that are allowed. But all brick and mortar stores can stock them.
Acroholic
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The actual bottle of KH reagent from API is larger than the Elos, so if they are the same then you should get more tests out of the API.
You count drops with the Elos Ca test kit. 18 will give you 450ppm. Also, Elos has changed their test kit directions frequently, which has led to confusion for users, and they had a problem with the volume indicators on their glass vials reading wrong. Always use the syringe provided.
I would be confident with either Salifert or Elos. I own Elos KH and Calcium test kits, but they are not without their problems. I like the Salifert Mag. test kit.
In my area Salifert test kits are more affordable than Elos as well.
IMO, if anyone cares about their corals you just do the required tests with whatever kits you choose reagrdless of how easy or hard they are. Anyone deep into it has thousand of dollars in livestock.
No sympathy when someone has a tank crash, and cannot remember their last water change or when they last tested their alkalinity.
Dave
You count drops with the Elos Ca test kit. 18 will give you 450ppm. Also, Elos has changed their test kit directions frequently, which has led to confusion for users, and they had a problem with the volume indicators on their glass vials reading wrong. Always use the syringe provided.
I would be confident with either Salifert or Elos. I own Elos KH and Calcium test kits, but they are not without their problems. I like the Salifert Mag. test kit.
In my area Salifert test kits are more affordable than Elos as well.
IMO, if anyone cares about their corals you just do the required tests with whatever kits you choose reagrdless of how easy or hard they are. Anyone deep into it has thousand of dollars in livestock.
No sympathy when someone has a tank crash, and cannot remember their last water change or when they last tested their alkalinity.
Dave
