Testing Instructions, do you follow them?

member 99594 · May 29, 2020

So it occurred to me tonight that I pull out the RedSea test kits and align the instructions with the test kit and begin the process. Been doing this for two and a half years now. YES! I know how to do them off by heart but I follow anyway.

so, Now I am curious. Who uses the instructions as I do even though you could probably do the test blind folded?

Copingwithpods · May 29, 2020

I know every step by heart and still use the cards, it's more frustrating missing a step and having to do them twice than just glancing at the cards. You are definitely not alone op.

X-37B · May 29, 2020

Yes I use them as it prevents mistakes, even though I know them.

billwill · May 30, 2020

Me too! Well except my Hanna ALK tester and API ALK test since the're both one part

Billdogg · May 30, 2020

Having done literally thousands of water test over the years, I've stopped using the instructions for all of the common ones. I do, however, look them over whenever I replace a test kit because they do occasionally change them slightly. The only test kits I would use the instructions for now would be for something like copper (haven't used copper in 20+ years) or one of the other uncommonly used kits.

Salifert for me. If I were to switch brands, then yes, of course I would, at least until I knew the process.

member 99594 · May 30, 2020

Copingwithpods said:
I know every step by heart and still use the cards, it's more frustrating missing a step and having to do them twice than just glancing at the cards. You are definitely not alone op.

for sure. Or more frustrating, one of the drops does not go quiet like the others and you do the “shoot, will that be okay?... dangit you know you gotta start the test over.” Lol

Snoopy 67 · May 30, 2020

Never hurts to do it right the 1st time.
I still refer to them.

Vette67 · May 30, 2020

Having several Hanna test kits, each one is a little different. So it’s easy to forget which test you’re doing and what the steps are. I’d hate to waste reagent because I thought I knew which test I was doing, but was wrong.

Copingwithpods · May 30, 2020

Calli said:
for sure. Or more frustrating, one of the drops does not go quiet like the others and you do the “shoot, will that be okay?... dangit you know you gotta start the test over.” Lol

I hate those half drops lol ruins everything

Beardo · May 30, 2020

I use the instructions for tests I don't run very often but for those I run on a regular basis I don't.

Victor_C3 · May 30, 2020

I never have tested anything enough to remember any of the instructions.

In my current build, I bought a Neptune Trident and it will test the only thing I typucallly tested about once every 1-2 weeks, calcium.

I’ve never burned myself out with constant chores and I’ve never had a problem maintaining solid SPS growth in the past.