Any local reefers Using Lamottes test kits?

[kdblove_99]

I have been a long time user of Salifert and really love the way they test Alk and Calcium and even Mag.

I hate kits that just go off color only! Kinda like Saliferts Phosphate and Nitrate kits i hate them!

With all that has been going on with Salifert i have finally gotten a little scared about using them especially since i am going all SPS.

I really need kits that i can trust.

I have heard good things bout Elos but remeber seeing Funmans post about them and it sounds like they are using the color scheme thing.

So has anyone used Lamottes? how do they rate compared to Elos and do you test them like Saliferts Alk,Calcium and mag tyest kits?

Cheers,

Davey

 

[kevin95695]

Dude, I got a Salifert Magnesium test kit for Christmas and it comes off less than scientific... "Add one spoon ... powder" -- Is that one level spoon or one rounded spoon? (Makes a difference) Next, an "Air layer ... is normal" -- How much of an air layer - Exactly? I mean if I don't hold the dropper exactly vertical and that makes a difference... Shouldn't I know HOW MUCH of an air layer is acceptable? "color changes to gray or blue" -- Wha'? Which one is it? Science would lead me to believe it should be one, or, the other, not, either.

I have seen threads that speak highly of Salifert on technical merits and poorly on Salifert on service (lately). I haven't tested the service, but the technical side is odd, at the least.

 

[kdblove_99]

In the Salifert thread there are SO many threads where people have bad test kits i mean there are A LOT.

Especially with the Alkalinity. only the most important test in my opinion for SPS

 

[WarrenG]

With the LaMotte tests you feel like you're doing something scientific, with all the additives. They're initially expensive but you get plenty of tests for the money.

Whenever I've checked my Salifert tests against something else (LaMotte) they were fine. The color changes may not happen precisely with one more drop of additive, but even if it occurs over two drops it's close enough. But I don't like how vague their Ph tests are, for that matter, any Ph test I've tried.

 

[MrMikeB]

I have run all Saliferts for quite awhile now. I have a small arsenal of them all over the place. I agree that the directions leave MUCH to be desired, something was definitely lost in translation.

I also swear I am color blind, because I really have a hell of a time knowing if its 'clear blue' or purple. I am up for dumping the Saliferts for something a bit more precise.

 

[kdblove_99]

Mike,

I'm also ready to dump Salifert just cause of the issues and the customer service has been terrible about replacements for all the bad kits.

So, the 2 i have been thinking about is the Lamottes and Elos. Just trying to get opinions on these 2 brands.

Basically just for ALk, Calcium and Mag

 

[mpoletti]

I have been using the elos kit for about 5 months. I like the ease of it. It does not measure down to the .1 like the salifert or lamottes, but if your tank is dialed in, it takes 8-10 drops to let you know where you are at. It is easy enough that I test every other day. It changes color from blue to yellowish when it is of measureable number.

Doug uses the lamottes and he likes how it measures more precisely. I just test for stability.

 

[kdblove_99]

Thanks Mark.

I guess i will just have to buy one of each and just see which one i prefer.

 

[dots]

I use the Lamotte as a primary, and is my new best friend.

I keep the Elos to double check Im correct if something is a miss.

Keep this handy when you get the Lamotte, made myself a cheatsheet one night.

http://www.saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php

 

[kdblove_99]

Thanks Doug.

I will bookmark that.