Water test kits
- Thread starter Pbennett657
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Opus
2500 Club Member
For Kh and calcium I use API. I compared to salifert and they were close enough so I go with the API unless I want a more precise number. For phosphates I have a low range electronic kit, can't remember the brand but it isn't the Hanna one. For magnesium I use salifert. I really don't test anything else.
If you buy locally, be sure to check the expiration date on the higher end kits. I've noticed locally that some of the salifert kits are only a few months from their expiration date. I assume since they are so much more expensive they sit on the shelves longer, especially at some of our stores where they keep them behind the counter. Plus when they restock I assume they put the new kit in front instead of in back and pulling the older kits to the front, so if a few have sold and you get one from the back it might already be a year or 2 old.
If you buy locally, be sure to check the expiration date on the higher end kits. I've noticed locally that some of the salifert kits are only a few months from their expiration date. I assume since they are so much more expensive they sit on the shelves longer, especially at some of our stores where they keep them behind the counter. Plus when they restock I assume they put the new kit in front instead of in back and pulling the older kits to the front, so if a few have sold and you get one from the back it might already be a year or 2 old.
PatW
2500 Club Member
Kits can be a personal sort of thing.
Many tests rely on interpreting subtle changes in color. Many guys have a degree of color blindness so those tests no matter how good, just will not work for them.
Some people want tanks with low nutrient levels. They will want very sensitive tests. Other people running a less demanding situation are happy with a test that will tell them when levels are high.
A test that is fine for one person will be grossly inadequate for another.
API is good for quick and dirty and inexpensive.
Salifert and Ted Sea are better for more demanding situtions.
Phosphate can be tricky to test and many like Hanna for it. Some people have enough experience to tell that phosphorus is getting by what is growing in their tank.
It is not a situation for a one size fits all.
You can look on u tube for videos showing the testing procedures of various tests. The videos can give you an idea of what is involved and maybe what test you will be happy using.
Many tests rely on interpreting subtle changes in color. Many guys have a degree of color blindness so those tests no matter how good, just will not work for them.
Some people want tanks with low nutrient levels. They will want very sensitive tests. Other people running a less demanding situation are happy with a test that will tell them when levels are high.
A test that is fine for one person will be grossly inadequate for another.
API is good for quick and dirty and inexpensive.
Salifert and Ted Sea are better for more demanding situtions.
Phosphate can be tricky to test and many like Hanna for it. Some people have enough experience to tell that phosphorus is getting by what is growing in their tank.
It is not a situation for a one size fits all.
You can look on u tube for videos showing the testing procedures of various tests. The videos can give you an idea of what is involved and maybe what test you will be happy using.
