WARNING: Salifert Test kits

[reefboy]

good to know thanks

seems there are big problems with the newer batches of Salifert test kits. most notably the alk, calcium and magnesium ones.

just an FYI....don't buy the kit if it has batch #0507-D.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1242465



i don't think i've had any problems with mine, as i bought my kits about a year ago (i stocked up). but the problem seems to be the new ones that came with this reference solution.

although, i wonder if my nitrate kit is bad.....i've had it for 2 years and never gotten a positive result out of it on any tank.

 

[gflat65]

Marine Depot carries the basic LaMotte kits (nitrate, PO4, alk, calcium). The pricing runs a bit higher ($48, $56, $22, $30, resp). The PO4 test kit is pricy, but it comes with an ampule of distilled and liquid samples for comparison (no more liwuid to paper comparisons). I can't read other PO4 kits...

 

[shred5]

If you test for po4 you need a merck or hach test kit anyway.

other than testing makeup water po4 tests kits are worthless. all only test for orthophaspate anyway and some of the time you can have massive phosphate levels and cant get a reading due to the fact the algae are using it up as fast as it is added.


Dave

 

[da6d2003]

Marine Depot carries the basic LaMotte kits (nitrate, PO4, alk, calcium). The pricing runs a bit higher ($48, $56, $22, $30, resp). The PO4 test kit is pricy, but it comes with an ampule of distilled and liquid samples for comparison (no more liwuid to paper comparisons). I can't read other PO4 kits...

thank you. Do you test Mg?

 

[twon8]

If you test for po4 you need a merck or hach test kit anyway.

other than testing makeup water po4 tests kits are worthless. all only test for orthophaspate anyway and some of the time you can have massive phosphate levels and cant get a reading due to the fact the algae are using it up as fast as it is added.


Dave

agreed, though salifert is coming out with a low range phosphate test.