Test kits

[Brian Treadwell]

Hey guys , who makes the best most accurate test kits , I have two Red Sea kits and I test my water every couple of days, but I don't have degree in chemistry and Mg. Ca. And KH test I fill like I need to be a chemist I am a fricking Mechanic. Any advise

 

[shollis2814]

I have heard Salifert makes good ones. I have not used them yet, but a lot of folks on here swear by them.

Let me encourage you. The test kits are about a little bit of precision, and following directions. Like adjusting a timing belt, or torquing a bolt down to certain specs. Don't let the scientific equipment intimidate.

Shake all reagent bottles thoroughly.

When you are measuring out water in a test tube, there is a curve of water where the water sticks to the glass. This is the meniscus. Make sure the bottom of the curve meets the line on the test tube.

Hold bottles totally inverted to insure uniform drop size.

If it says to swirl for 5 seconds for each drop, don't drop in 5 drops and swirl for 25 seconds. There is a reason for those instructions. Will it totally mess up your test? Probably not, but you won't be as accurate.

Check yourself. Write down your parameters and then take a sample into your LFS and let them test. See if you are close. I've been keeping fish for over 30 years, and I still do this to make sure my test kits haven't gone bad (A calcium one just did a couple of weeks ago).

You can do this.

 

[Brian Treadwell]

Thanks for the encouragement , I have done Ca test and used Mg reagent A instead Ca reagent A I did figure out after the test went way wrong.

 

[Prozack199]

I've Used Both Salifert And Red Sea And Both Are Really Good!

 

[Waters]

I agree with Prozack......(that could have so many meanings lol)........both Salifert and Red Sea make good test kits.

 

[bklynreef123]

I like to use the salifert reagents with the red sea titrator

 

[Shep]

To be honest most of the test kits that sold are going to be good enough to keep your tank running smoothly, the main exception are the ATI test kits which are kind of meh but still get the job done. (Side note once your tank is stable you really should not have to test very often)

 

[bklynreef123]

To be honest most of the test kits that sold are going to be good enough to keep your tank running smoothly, the main exception are the ATI test kits which are kind of meh but still get the job done. (Side note once your tank is stable you really should not have to test very often)

I think this would depend on your definition of very often, as well as some other factors such as consumption level, bio level, how you are supplementing ect. Most successful tanks test ALK at least weekly. While some reefers never test period, the majority do. Its easier to realize small deviations in chemistry by testing and correct accordingly than to wait until your testing to figure out what went wrong. Its also cheaper to buy test kits than it is to replace coral. The OP states he is a mechanic, Its easier to check the oil in your engine than it is to ignore it and pay for a new short block.

 

[Shep]

I think this would depend on your definition of very often, as well as some other factors such as consumption level, bio level, how you are supplementing ect. Most successful tanks test ALK at least weekly. While some reefers never test period, the majority do. Its easier to realize small deviations in chemistry by testing and correct accordingly than to wait until your testing to figure out what went wrong. Its also cheaper to buy test kits than it is to replace coral. The OP states he is a mechanic, Its easier to check the oil in your engine than it is to ignore it and pay for a new short block.

You are very correct, I should have said it better, you wont really have to test for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites or phosphates that often but yea ALK and Ca will be tested from rarely to daily depending on your tank stock.

 

[Brian Treadwell]

Guys thanks for the input , but my biggest problem is I have API test kits and Red Sea test kits and I use both about every couple of days to stay on top of things , the Red Sea test kits just seem to be harder to use but the difference I get between the two make me wonder if everything is ok , and yes I am an aircraft mechanic I just want to get the best testing I can and have a system that works like nature works , I know that is not easy , I have no problem with testing I just get different results from different test kits.