What is the best test kit for Magnesium??????

[Steelerfan747]

:noidea: Hey guys, I was just wondering what you guys use to test your Magnesium. I have an elos test kit but for some reason I cannot get it to turn the correct color for an accurate reading, everything goes fine until I add the powder (c reagent). It is supposed to turn pinkish purple but instead turns a darkish green.

What other test kits are out there that are easy to use?

 

[Aquaph8]

I don't like the Elos kit either. The salifert one is better IMO.

 

[ritter6788]

I've only used the red sea and I hate it. Maybe all mag tests stink? It's my least favorite to test for.

 

[jonbar1]

I've always used the Salifert as well. It can get nerve racking since the first 9/10ths there is no change and only seems like the last drops finally turn it. It doesn't have that high contrast bright pink start to true blue finish like the calcium kit does, but it's still pretty easy to see the change.

 

[Wesley42079]

I recommend using Salifert. I've been using their kits for the last few years, and I have yet to be disappointed.

 

[Razor]

Salifert produces the best titration type test kits out there..

 

[sirevans reef]

+1 for salifert

 

[Young Frankenstein]

I would also say Salifert, most of others are too complicated.

 

[SDguy]

I use salifert and like it. IME it's important to either have daylight or low K ambient room lighting when using these tests. The blue light from the aquarium messes up the way I see the colors...

 

[Dowtish]

Salifert here too. I have the newer Red Sea test kit as well, but it gives me much higher readings. But now I use their titrator for the salifert test, which makes it even easier.

 

[Steelerfan747]

Thanks guys, it looks like everyone recommends Saifert. I will look to picking one up. Thanks again

 

[Chameleon]

Red Sea Pro works for me however I havent compared it to anything so I dont know how accurate it is

 

[zemuss]

I used to test MAG like a mad man because a LFS said it was the most important. His exact words were 'If your MAG is right then ALK and CALC is right, and there is no need to test them." I wonder how much that statement is right?

I normally test only Calcium and Alk and the sit at 450 and 8 all the time. I test at new LFS and he uses Red Sea Pro or Salifert.

 

[Built347]

Salifert here.. and mag being low will inhibit swings in CA and alk but a 1400 magnesium doesn't guarantee perfect. Ca n alk levels..

 

[zemuss]

Yea my mag is usually 1430 too high?

 

[dsmhero]

Salifert are my "go to" tests. Great product and even better customer service.

 

[jonbar1]

Yea my mag is usually 1430 too high?

Not at all. Right on ideal in my tank.

 

[Steelerfan747]

Picked up a saifert test kit today and I have to thank you guys. It was so much easier to test than the elos. Now I just have to start dosing a bit to raise the level. At first I was at 1140, then it rose up to 1200 after water change but at least I was able to test it which is half the battle.