Faster tests...

[Sk8r]

I use Salifert tests, which involve, generally, drops from a syringe into a solution.
There IS, for regular testers, a way to hurry this process.
First of all, if the instructions say mix it gently for x-number of seconds, do NOT short this step. Maintain an egg timer.

OTOH, if you're dexterous, you can tuck the test tube into the curl of your little finger, taking care not to spill it, and unscrew bottles and even do a syringe draw from a bottle while holding the test tube thusly. This is sufficient stirring unless it says 'shake' and it doesn't want that. Hint: you will be reading the syringe in the 'use' position, and you want the end of the black plunger-valve-thingie on the topmost 'fill line'---to be sure you've got all the liquid you're supposed to have. An airspace at the top of the liquid is expected and figured-for in the chart.

Now, you've got everything ready: start dropping liquid from the syringe into the vial. Here's another shortcut IF you've tested recently: you KNOW pretty well the territory that test is going to be in, unless something's radically off.

There will be, in the most common tests, a 'flash' of color as a drop hits the vial IF it's close to causing a color change. Ergo, first, knowing where the flash zone is likely to be (re recent tests) you just shoot some liquid in to bring the plunger to the 'likely right' area. Then continue drop by drop, watching for the brief flash of color that tells you are close to the general color change. Definitely slow down as you approach the 'expected zone'---and when the flashover of the whole liquid stays, that's your result. Read the position of the plunger against the printed numbers, look at your chart, and there you are.

These methods are a bit 'loose' but close enough to keep your fish in far better shape than FAILING TO RUN tests often enough because they're 'such a pain.' A method that lets you test fast means, yes, you can test more often: weekly is good. Daily, if you're in the process of adjustment; and certainly daily while you're hand-dosing to get things back in line.

Log your results. Don't rely on memory. It's real easy to get scrambled. And if something's timed, don't rely on 1-mississippi, etc. Use a timer or a watch sweephand.

 

[Breadman03]

Agreed. I typically use the timer or stopwatch on my phone. I have found that I can induce an early result in some tests by going too quickly when getting near the endpoint. Just like pulling up to a traffic light, you can blow it if you roll up too fast.

The Aquarimate app has a pretty nice suite of timers and logs built in, as well as a nice little ID library for livestock.

 

[Sk8r]

It's a learning curve, and experience often involves turning over bottles and knocking into things because they're light and small. Rinse your test tubes after use. Empty your syringes after use. And develop the habit of putting the CAP back on the source bottles---lest you knock the thing over. That's expensive. And another reason I like to hang onto all the items in one grip---nothing to knock over or spill. Be methodical and you'll get faster. I can run the basic tests quite fast and be accurate. Another hint; look DOWN into your test tube and hold it OVER something white, under good lighting. You'll have a much easier time telling what's what.

 

[rjjr1963]

I set up a little testing station. I have three tanks and have to watch them pretty closely lately. I have a cup for tank water, 2 cup container of RODI and 1 cup container for waste. I dump the used test water in the waste cup then rinse in RODI and put the glass container up to dry. You can buy syringes and droppers on Amazon pretty cheap so I switch them out pretty frequently. I use small dixie cups for sample water and just discard them when done.

 

[ALLIDOISREEF]

^ impressive testing setup

 

[homer1475]

Since I use the red sea kits for PO4 and No3, I do those first since they take 6 and 9 minutes respectively. While they "set" I do the big 3 with salifert, and in pretty much the exact way Sk8r described.

 

[Sk8r]

Definitely if you can find some container to corral test tubes and bottles your life will be easier. Not many people can muster up a .5 inch drill bit, but you could make your own test tube rack if you do; or you can likely find such racks from, say, Scientifics Direct or Edmund Scientific.
Another point: some chemicals are something you don't want kids or pets into...or into your tank. Put them away securely and if you spill, mop up. I don't 'borrow' measuring spoons or cups from the kitchen: my 'chemicals' area has dedicated ones that do not get mixed up with cooking measures. You will also fare better with plastic or glass ones, which do not corrode.

Keep syringes and test tubes and such dedicated to one type of test.

Also: if you find a source for super-large syringes, usually used in large-animal veterinary practice, they are REAL good for a milliliter measure for accurate dosing. Or some shot glasses marked with permanent marker for a frequently-used dose measure. I scale the whole thing up to a water-marker for 32 gallons of water in a Brute trashcan, which 1 precise gallon of salt mix will make up as a 1.024 salinity barrel of water change saltwater.

After you've been a few years at reefing, a typical kitchen cookbook will not scare you. It's all measures, temperature, and timing.
Nor will leak-fixing in the kitchen sink plumbing.

 

[TokiHacker]

I hate testing my tanks....

I do ofcourse. I wish there was some probe or something that could tell us the Mg, Cal, and Alk and etc that wasn't an arm and a leg if it was out there somewhere. (over the rainbow...)