API test,... should I trust them?
- Thread starter Mark75
- Start date
jason2459
Well-known member
I prefer the API kits minus the pH and PO4. They are cheap, consistent (IME), and accurate enough for the ranges I'm trying to be in. Nitrate, Calcium, and Alk I've tested against several other brands and do not find them to be any more or less accurate or consistent. If precision to chase more specific numbers is the goal then they are not the best.
But if ranges as pointed out in this article
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/
Are the goal and used for long term tracking then API kits are perfectly fine.
Consistency and accuracy is largely dependant on the users ability and reagents quality/age. After all we are talking hobby level kits here.
But if ranges as pointed out in this article
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/
Are the goal and used for long term tracking then API kits are perfectly fine.
Consistency and accuracy is largely dependant on the users ability and reagents quality/age. After all we are talking hobby level kits here.
Dugless
New member
I'd use caution with the trust placed in any test kit available at the hobby level. More often that not, these tests would provide different readings within every testing. To assume the measurement down to decimal point accuracy in most cases isn't necessary and to chase such numbers is a waste of time in my experience. After every test from any kit, I use some skepticism in the precision it offers and assume it to be within a window of the result provided. As long as my results are within a consistent range, my tank stays happy.
I use Hannah testers and API, and more often than not I find myself testing with API as it gives me a quick idea of where my levels are. My tank is full of 50+ acros and I've yet to lose a coral because my Alk wavered a few decimal points. I would worry more about constantly changing dosing formulas and tinkering with the tank based on testing results.
I use Hannah testers and API, and more often than not I find myself testing with API as it gives me a quick idea of where my levels are. My tank is full of 50+ acros and I've yet to lose a coral because my Alk wavered a few decimal points. I would worry more about constantly changing dosing formulas and tinkering with the tank based on testing results.
SkullV
They Got My Number
Here is some more information about the "margin of error" on API test kits. I forgot until today that I actually had this discussion a while back.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2069277
Here is a clear photo of one of the many issues with API test kits (not my photo):
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2069277
Here is a clear photo of one of the many issues with API test kits (not my photo):
jason2459
Well-known member
I've always used a syringe to pull 5ml out and place into the tube. Seems to line up for me. Guess I haven't experienced a vial nearly as far off as those.
The picture certainly makes it look bad but like mentioned by Disc1 in that link it really won't throw the results off that much. Especially with API having a lower resolution. Like calcium jumping 20 points at a time, nitrate starting at 5, and Alk a full 1dkh at a time etc. If higher resolution is required for some reason like mentioned above API is not designed for that. It's not that API is bad its just not what they are for.
The picture certainly makes it look bad but like mentioned by Disc1 in that link it really won't throw the results off that much. Especially with API having a lower resolution. Like calcium jumping 20 points at a time, nitrate starting at 5, and Alk a full 1dkh at a time etc. If higher resolution is required for some reason like mentioned above API is not designed for that. It's not that API is bad its just not what they are for.
