The Miracle Tank

living_tribunal · Sep 26, 2020

JoshH said:
When all else fails..... Blame the Redhead ;Smuggrin

brett_schn · Sep 27, 2020

Anyone have anything against api test kits? I know they aren’t the greatest but I want to be able to atleast somewhat be able to track my water. I will upgrade to salifert in the future

living_tribunal · Sep 27, 2020

brett_schn said:
Anyone have anything against api test kits? I know they aren’t the greatest but I want to be able to atleast somewhat be able to track my water. I will upgrade to salifert in the future

For cheap kits, just go with Salifert for the important tests. API is fine for ammonia, nitrite, or ancillary tests.

vetteguy53081 · Sep 27, 2020

brett_schn said:
Anyone have anything against api test kits? I know they aren’t the greatest but I want to be able to atleast somewhat be able to track my water. I will upgrade to salifert in the future

Too many false readings and color variations with their color charts.

JoshH · Sep 27, 2020

brett_schn said:
Anyone have anything against api test kits? I know they aren’t the greatest but I want to be able to atleast somewhat be able to track my water. I will upgrade to salifert in the future

My favorite starter kit by far....

RedSea Marine Care Test Kit

Why Does BRS Recommend This? The Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit set comes with almost everything you need to get you through your cycle, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, but can also test for alkalinity and pH. Each test is easy to perform with clear instructions, and if you are just getting into...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

fishguy242 · Sep 27, 2020

good morning all

Eagle_Steve · Sep 27, 2020

fishguy242 said:
good morning all

Morning!!!!!

sfin52 · Sep 27, 2020

brett_schn said:
Anyone have anything against api test kits? I know they aren’t the greatest but I want to be able to atleast somewhat be able to track my water. I will upgrade to salifert in the future

For alk double to 10mil and it will give you a half points. Api is all I use. All test kits have thier flaws

Eagle_Steve · Sep 27, 2020

sfin52 said:
For alk double to 10mil and it will give you a half points. Api is all I use. All test kits have thier flaws

I used api for years and years and never had issues. It wasn’t until deep water acros and tons of clams/nems that I needed to go to something better. I went to Hanna and salifert. I still use api for the basics though on most tanks.

As @sfin52 mentioned, all test kits have issues. Even Hanna has been off due to a tester failure, that one fingerprint I didn’t wipe off the vial, or not all of the powder making it into the vial lol.

Over time you will be able to see the tank is off by eye and after more time, know what is off.

In the beginning the basic kits work great.

fishguy242 · Sep 27, 2020

i'm still using

tetra kh,they still make that anymore

brett_schn · Sep 27, 2020

JoshH said:
My favorite starter kit by far....

RedSea Marine Care Test Kit

Why Does BRS Recommend This? The Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit set comes with almost everything you need to get you through your cycle, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, but can also test for alkalinity and pH. Each test is easy to perform with clear instructions, and if you are just getting into...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

That’s double the price though

brett_schn · Sep 27, 2020

sfin52 said:
For alk double to 10mil and it will give you a half points. Api is all I use. All test kits have thier flaws

Eagle_Steve said:
I used api for years and years and never had issues. It wasn’t until deep water acros and tons of clams/nems that I needed to go to something better. I went to Hanna and salifert. I still use api for the basics though on most tanks.

As @sfin52 mentioned, all test kits have issues. Even Hanna has been off due to a tester failure, that one fingerprint I didn’t wipe off the vial, or not all of the powder making it into the vial lol.

Over time you will be able to see the tank is off by eye and after more time, know what is off.

In the beginning the basic kits work great.

Yeah I was great at reading my 10g new tank through and would like to be better and keep it stable and I think the best practice is to start trying to keep stable from the early days. Thanks!