Calcium testing

[allgoodsystems]

How do you guys test your calcium levels? I think the test kit is a pain in the rear. Add 10 drops, shake, add a drop of bottle #2 until it turns pink, shake, add more drops, turn purple, shake, add drops till it turns blue, shake between each drop....geez. There has to be an easier way

 

[ReefingMadness]

Pinpoint makes a calcium monitor. I don't think it is meant to stay in continous use though.

 

[MVlk]

My test kit is the same way... you can take some short cuts though. When adding solution #2... once you know what your range is normally, you can add a bunch at a time. Add as many all at once until you are under 4 or more of your normal range. Shake and then add one at a time. Only takes a minute. Downside is if your calcium dropped and is below the mass amount added, you will need to start again. If your tank is stable, this is not likely.

The Pinpoint probe of course would be easier if you have the $$$.

 

[commonstranger]

Salifert kit here , no problems at all.

 

[andywe]

The API test is fine.Mvlk hit it dead on.

I have the pinpoint monitor And it is a much bigger pia for one tank than the test kit.

I have 8 tanks and still use the test kit.

 

[ameares8]

Mvlk worded the way I would have. API and Salifert work the same way. They are very accurate also. Patience and time consumption are two things that are hard to get used to in this hobby. If you learn when to bite the bullet and do all of the time consuming task without cutting corners, you will be much happier in the long run. I think anybody that has rushed things one too many times will agree with me on that one.

 

[waynesworld]

I had a pinpoint tester and I would not recommend it ,as all the people I know have had problems with it mine needs a new probe. If you want it I will sell it to you for $10 BUT WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IT.

 

[andywe]

BTW, Pobes are HELLA expensive. $180.00 for the probe itself.

I can test a tank for Ca in less than 30 seconds. It just takes practice and a little time geting used to it. It set all my vials up with water, and if I am running a full panel do the three timed tests, then go to Ca and Kh. As soon as I am done with those 2, it is already time to review the first three timed tests. So multitasking really helps save time

With the Pinpoint monitor, it need to be calibrated often, pretty much every use. It needs to be stored dry..you cannot leave it in a tank. Calibration takes 10-25 minutes depending on how long it was since you last used the probe. If it has been monhts, you may need to let it sit for an hour in each calibration solution to get the probe working accurately.

 

[NeveSSL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15618725#post15618725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andywe
...

With the Pinpoint monitor, it need to be calibrated often, pretty much every use. It needs to be stored dry..you cannot leave it in a tank. Calibration takes 10-25 minutes depending on how long it was since you last used the probe. If it has been monhts, you may need to let it sit for an hour in each calibration solution to get the probe working accurately.

This makes test kits seem like a breeze... heh.

I agree with Rhett. I also have a Salifert kit and its very straight forward. I hate shaking some of those things for 30 secs, tho... drives me nuts.

Brandon

 

[commonstranger]

Brandon I tested my calcium a while back. I wrote out a test and everything and put it in the water. I didnt get any answers back though. I will probably have to fail it. LOL