What's everyones problem with RS testkits?

[DMattisonMHR]

What's up reef2reef!

First of all I'd like to thank all of you for the years of information I have banked off this page. This is my first time posting on this name (lost the email from years ago that I used which I didn't post much anyways)

I am an active FB reefer but lately have been viewing reef2reef much more and noticed how much more useful information I feel like I acquire off reef2reef compared. So back to my topic!

My topic:
I sold my Hannah dkh and Phosphate ULR a few months back. Hated always buying reagent and really felt like they were inaccurate when I compared them and would test multiple times back to back.


Why are so many people against using redsea test kits? It's all I use and I feel like they are very accurate and I get plenty of test out of every kit? Not sure I would ever switch. But if you can convince me then go for it please!!

I do use the hannah salinity checker with no issues

 

[Copingwithpods]

I like redsea for alk, cal and mag. They are as accurate as I will ever need them to be. My only gripe is the dang cheap seringes, you can't even look at them without the graduation markings rubbing off. Apart from that no other complaints.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Lot's of folks have apparent problems with the Red Sea magnesium kit, for reasons I do not know.

 

[Cwentz758]

I use RS testers for everything but Alk and phosphate. I will say I went through my first Alk reagent rather quick, the phosphate I got a dual pack on amazon so lots of tests. Pain in the @... to dump the powder from the packet into the tube is my only complaint. So far I enjoy both, however the past 6 months are when I’ve started to really test my parameters.

 

[VJC]

I use RS for Ca, Mg, Nitrates. They're pretty consistent and easy to use in general except the nitrates takes multiple steps and you have to wait 9 minutes for the final step before reading the colors.

 

[Cwentz758]

I use RS for Ca, Mg, Nitrates. They're pretty consistent and easy to use in general except the nitrates takes multiple steps and you have to wait 9 minutes for the final step before reading the colors.

Lol I do that one first so I can read it once I’m done

 

[Copingwithpods]

Lol I do that one first so I can read it once I’m done

You can also do it before you go to work so it can be ready by the time you get home

 

[jman930]

How accurate do you feel the ammonia testing is? I just tossed some expired API kits and picked up the RS kit. New tank asking for a friend

 

[Cwentz758]

You can also do it before you go to work so it can be ready by the time you get home

True but the instructions say the color is only accurate for two minutes after the 9 min wait... atleast that’s what I thought I read

 

[Cwentz758]

How accurate do you feel the ammonia testing is? I just tossed some expired API kits and picked up the RS kit. New tank asking for a friend

It’ll be accurate enough for cycling a tank. Once it’s cycled you’ll never use it again

 

[Copingwithpods]

True but the instructions say the color is only accurate for two minutes after the 9 min wait... atleast that’s what I thought I read

Yes that's true, I was only poking fun at how long the 9 minutes feel.