API test,... should I trust them?

[Mark75]

I know API test are not the best but surely some are trust worthy?

I am using API for all my test as of now but plan on upgrading as needed.

My main concern is cal. , alk., and nitrates. I just tested with API and my result are;

Cal.- 440
Alk.-9
Nitrate-0

Can I trust these numbers?

 

[Reef Frog]

If the kit is fresh those numbers are likely to be close. The higher end kits by Red Sea & Salifert for example will be more precise and accurate. And if you're keeping a stoneyncorsl reef you need to test for magnesium, which I don't think API makes. You can buy the all three of the kits above for around $50 and it's worth it.

 

[Mark75]

I have a new tank and just started adding some sps frags. I am expecting my cal. and alk. to start dropping in the up coming months and was concerned with the accuracy of API kits.

 

[Reef Frog]

If you're committed to SPS I'd get the better kits now. Stability of the alkalinity levels is key and the higher precision of the better kits is important IMO. You do need the Mg kit too. The good kits will also be helpful when it's time to automate dosing by Kalk or 2 part.

 

[seamonster124]

I find each brand good for certain tests. API is fine for alk and Calcium. Selifert is great for Mag and phosphates

 

[DesertReefT4r]

For ca alk and no3 API tests are fine. I used them for years.

 

[eddiereefs]

I agree for cal and nitrate ur fine. I dont know about alk that is too important i use elos for alk

 

[TheReeferer]

Nothing wrong with Api. For alk it's faster than other kits

 

[SkullV]

The only thing I trust API with is to know if something is 0 or not 0 (ammonia/nitrite). Anything else and I don't trust it at all. Hell even the 5ml line isn't at 5ml half the time!

 

[shifty51008]

My api test kits for cal and alk come out close to my salifert kits but ammonia and nitrate kits suck ime with api.

 

[Mark75]

Seems to be some differing thoughts on the subject.

shifty51008,...do the API kits normally read higher or lower than Salifert?

 

[shifty51008]

Usually if my salifert reads 8.7 dkh my api will read 9dkh and so fourth

 

[Mark75]

Usually if my salifert reads 8.7 dkh my api will read 9dkh and so fourth

Thank you,..seems accurate enough?

 

[Reef Frog]

In the Alk test API uses a bottle that delivers big fat drops that can be inconsistent. Using the API test tube could also be slightly inaccurate as noted above.

The better tests use much more precise syringes. And their tables let you know that your Alk is 8.5 dKh while the API leaves you wondering "I'm pretty sure it's 9dKh but it might be between 9dKh and 10dKH".

This sounds like nothing and it is if you just have a tank of zoas with a hardy LPS or two. But if you have a tank full of RTN/STNing acro corals, the difference matters. When one uses both kits, the difference is apparent immediately.

 

[Dugless]

With Alk and Ca the accuracy of the API test is more than sufficient, SPS or no. The more important factor is the consistency of how you test. Stability is much more important than precision in my book, and these tests will give you the information you need.

 

[Gagonzalez]

I use API for CA but I would never us API for ALK. Especially not with SPS.

API will tell you your CA is 440 and it could be 420 or 460. Either way, no big deal.

However, API will also tell you your ALK is 10 but it could be 9.3 or 10.7.(This is with personal experience testing with both API and Red Sea Pro Kits) This gap in the reading would be death to most SPS.

 

[Reef Frog]

With Alk and Ca the accuracy of the API test is more than sufficient, SPS or no. The more important factor is the consistency of how you test. Stability is much more important than precision in my book, and these tests will give you the information you need.

I agree with you. API is fine. But some of us have different needs & challenges. For example during a STN problem and you're dialing in your dosing pumps. That digit behind the decimal point helps me out on the alkalinity tests.

Precision helps with stability. And yes stability is everything with fussy Acros. And we all know even the best kits we use are only accurate to a so-so degree of precision. You have a acro there in your avatar too!

 

[CStrickland]

The API nitrate kit seems prone to user error as well. Of course, if you don't follow the directions any test will be off. But that one is annoying.

 

[heathlindner25]

In my opinion, if you're trying to keep sensitive animals alive... High quality test kit should come first before coral.
I like real numbers Ican trust.

 

[Buzz1329]

For ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH, I think API kits are the way to go.

For calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, I use Red Sea Pro kits.

Mike