Alk and Ca Test kits?

[funman1]

I want to hear from people who use test kits OTHER than Salifert.

I'm DONE with them; no responses to PM's or posts for over 2 months now.
And it's not just me; just a casual browse through their own forum here on RC says there are HUNDREDS of us that have had it! And now I'm joining their ranks.

I'm looking for kits that have the scale like salifert, hence NO Elso because they just measure dkh to the nearest full integer. I need a more accurate kit.

So what do you recommend or use?

Thanks
~Steve~

 

[kdblove_99]

From threads i have read alot of people like the API alot, especially for ALK and also the lamotts

 

[tfp]

for elos' alk kit, i believe if you double the water sample you can get dkh down to .5 increments.

 

[kdblove_99]

I love the ALk and Calcium test kits by Salifert never 1 issue with false readings.

There were some definant bad ALk kits that went out. but not any i ever bought .they are just so easy to read.

 

[P.Kelly]

Due to price, and me being cheap, I've been using the API kits. As someone mentioned above if you double the sample you can get better precision, but then then cost per test doubles too.

I've been happy with the quality of the API kits for the price and the ease of use for the Ca and dKH.

Out of curiosity, what are you doing that requires more precision than integers on the dKH? (Please don't flame, just asking)

 

[Nanz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11221574#post11221574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by petes97
Due to price, and me being cheap, I've been using the API kits. As someone mentioned above if you double the sample you can get better precision, but then then cost per test doubles too.

I've been happy with the quality of the API kits for the price and the ease of use for the Ca and dKH.

Out of curiosity, what are you doing that requires more precision than integers on the dKH? (Please don't flame, just asking)

Im still fighting consistancy with test kits...

With API test kits:
Ca: 420
dKH: 9

With Salifert:
Ca: 350
dKH: 11

Im not sure what is going on but I wish there was some consitancy.. These tests are not even close. Has anyone else experienced wide range of results using Salifert/API?

 

[P.Kelly]

Interesting, I hadn't heard there was such a discrepancy...

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11222650#post11222650 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nanz
Im still fighting consistancy with test kits...

With API test kits:
Ca: 420
dKH: 9

With Salifert:
Ca: 350
dKH: 11

Im not sure what is going on but I wish there was some consitancy.. These tests are not even close. Has anyone else experienced wide range of results using Salifert/API?

Dang, thats a pretty big flux! Im using API for my Ca, and was digging it's fairly ez process, but that's got me worried. Assuming API's right, the salifert guy could be getting very confused and frustrated, but what if Salifert's right in this case? Even if the real results in the median area, that sux for someone trying to "dial" in the sweet spot

As for the Elos on alk, sometimes it gets that greenish tinge before blatantly turning amber yellow on a single digit integer, I was assuming this was probably that 1/2 way mark .



-Justin

 

[Justin74]

Oh, btw, he can flame me if he wants were pals
So what do you need it so accurate for Steve? You rearing sea urchin larvae? :lol:

-Justin

 

[kdblove_99]

I personally just think those Elos kits are too pricey. DO they need to be that much?I haye paying for names.

I absolutely hate color chart kits. The salifert Phosphate test kit i will never own again, Awful.

I love the way the Alk and Cal test kits are with Salifert

 

[dots]

I have had problems with Salifert the last couple of times, but love the precision of them.....Accuracy is another.

It has been quite documented in the last few months that they have been having inaccuracy problems.

Alk tests for me need to be very accurate and spot on, (they tell you not only where it is currently, but which way it is creeping to catch it early), so I have been trying out different ones.

Elos is great and high quality, but I don't care for the precision, one drop per. I use it as another verification source.

I just used my new Lamotte and am VERY satisified with it. I think this will be my new everyday kit.

Color comparisons as in the P04 salifert are a pain and too close to tell and very subjective.

I still plan to use the Saliferts for everything but the Alk.

In light of my recent events overs the summer, I can not stress how important it is to buy quality testing equipment and supplies, or else you are risking much more in money invested by not. A test kit is money well spent, buy the best.