Been using my test kits wrong for 8 months...

[apexkeeper]

So I've been using Red Sea test kits for almost 8 months now for my calcium and magnesium and only today did I find out I've been doing the tests wrong the entire time...

I never knew you were suppose to leave the air in the syringes, I've been filling them medical style (knocking the air out and measuring with only fluid). And today I find out your suppose to leave the air in when you measure to 1ml...

Am I the only one who's been this stupid?

Luckily the change in test numbers after doing the test correctly wasn't too bad and my numbers are still within acceptable ranges. Mag changed from 1450 to 1380, Ca changed from 450 to 420...

Moral of the story... read the directions... :reading:

 

[xdestry]

I honestly hate all the red sea tests they were never accurate for me and a lot more work to test every time. Salifert is much better

 

[mcgyvr]

It only really matters when you are using in excess of 1ml of fluid.. and if you are your levels are above recommended ranges..

 

[thegrun]

+1, your results should be the same.
xdestry, I've tested the Salifert and Red Sea Pro test kits for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity side by side several times with different batches of each test kit and found them to test very close to each other with the results with the exception of the Red Sea magnesium which consistently tests in the 50-75 ppm range higher than Salifert. I still use the Salifert test kits because I find them easier to use. I've used them for so long I don't need to refer to the test reference sheet for the results. I also don't like the Red Sea magnesium test because you need to swirl the water sample for 15 seconds between drops and skipping that process does change the readings.