Salifert vs. Elos

Rickyrooz · Mar 17, 2009

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.

ahayes13 · Mar 17, 2009

im not sure which are more accurate. but i use all salifert and are very happy with their accuracy...

JuniorMC8704 · Mar 17, 2009

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.

Chris22582 · Mar 17, 2009

I like the elos kit. its worked very nicely for me. Ive had both and I will get the elos again when I run out.

JuniorMC8704 · Mar 17, 2009

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.

iani · Mar 17, 2009

The API kH test kit is the exact same as the elos at a fraction of the cost. For magnesium the sea chem mg kit seems to be the most accurate (although its harder to use).

Spiderwoman · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

I am a Elos fan after using Sailfert for years

jakem · Mar 17, 2009

I like the elos test kits. Never had any problems with them.

Spiderwoman · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

Where do you order your Elos?

iani · Mar 17, 2009

I'm not sure why everyone is crazy over the elos test kits. As I said the API kH is the EXACT same as the elos kH test kit. The reagent is identical.

JuniorMC8704 · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

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