It seems that the more time I spend at my LFS, the more I realize that they have gone WAY down hill in the past year. So heres my problem......I have been trying to get my calcium in check, using Randy's DIY 2 Part, and testing using these API test kits. But everyday I get a result that doesnt make sense at all. Right now, I only have 50 pounds of LR, a cleanup crew, and a scooter blenny....but today my calcium read 80 ppm, yesterday it was 160, and the day before it was 40?!? And I only add about 10 ml a day? I know Salifert is Top of the Line, But I need a test kit that is accurate and easy to read, as I am partially color blind. Even when I have my wife try to read these tests, even she has a problem.......any suggestions?
API Test Kits suck!
- Thread starter kookerson
- Start date
Salifert, Hach or LaMotte are all good. I can tell you a little trick when using drop count methods. Put all the reagents in some RO/DI water and add a couple of drops of titrating solution. Mix it up and the color you have will be the color you want when you reach the endpoint. Some people have a hard time telling when that true blue color is reached.
Scuba_Steve
Premium Member
Basically, he is telling you to take some ro water, which has no calcium in it. When doing the test, you keep adding drops till the color changes, more drops means more calcium. Well on your sample of ro water, a few drops will cause it to change to the color your looking for at the end of the test. Then use this sample as a reference while testing your tank water, so you know exactly what color it is supposed to turn to to tell you to stop adding drops. Hope that clarifies things.
:lol:
No matter how hard I try to hide my geeky chemist image it still comes through.
No matter how hard I try to hide my geeky chemist image it still comes through.
Oh BTW,
I forgot there was no link to take you to the second part of that old series here are the other parts-
Colorimetric Tests I
Colorimetric Tests II
Colorimetric means you match the colors up for those technically challenged.
I forgot there was no link to take you to the second part of that old series here are the other parts-
Colorimetric Tests I
Colorimetric Tests II
Colorimetric means you match the colors up for those technically challenged.
Travis L. Stevens
Active member
I would also look at the test kit, too. Is it old? Are you shaking it well before using?
