Good copper test kit?

[Thumbster]

It's probably been asked before (and probably numerous times) but.....what is a good copper test kit?

I will be proactively treating a QT with Cupramine (Seachem) and thought about getting their test kit but it looks like it is not only a little more expensive but, from some of the reviews that I have read, a PITA to use.

What is the difference between an API ($6.79) vs. Seachem ($13.09) or any other one for that matter?

 

[sandwi54]

The best copper test kit for cupramine is salifert. It's usually around $15-$20 online and much, much easier to read and use than the Seachem one. Nowadays I only use the Seachem one to verify zero copper concentration.

Don't use API as it's more suited for chelated copper which needs to be dosed at a higher concentration (1.5ppm). It does not have enough resolution at lower resolution (0.2-0.5ppm), which is what Cupramine is used at.

 

[MrTuskfish]

The best copper test kit for cupramine is salifert. It's usually around $15-$20 online and much, much easier to read and use than the Seachem one. Nowadays I only use the Seachem one to verify zero copper concentration.

Don't use API as it's more suited for chelated copper which needs to be dosed at a higher concentration (1.5ppm). It does not have enough resolution at lower resolution (0.2-0.5ppm), which is what Cupramine is used at.

+1 An API test kit will not work with Cupramine.When using copper, precise measurement is vital, so don't try to save a few bucks on the test kit. Here's all you need to know about Cupramine, read the FAQ.:http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Cupramine.html

 

[Thumbster]

Ya tuskfish I read that. What do you use and why?

As per the Seachem library on Cupramine (http://www.seachem.com/Library/SeaGrams/Cupramine.pdf) in the 2nd to last paragraph, they say that you can use most copper test kits .

I just wanted to know what test kit was good to use and not a PITA. I understand sandwi54's explanation about why not to use API.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Ya tuskfish I read that. What do you use and why?

As per the Seachem library on Cupramine (http://www.seachem.com/Library/SeaGrams/Cupramine.pdf) in the 2nd to last paragraph, they say that you can use most copper test kits .

I just wanted to know what test kit was good to use and not a PITA. I understand sandwi54's explanation about why not to use API.

I used to use a SeaChem kit, made by the same mfg as the med. IMO, Salifert is just easier to read. I tried an API (years ago) with Cupramine and never could read it....at least the readings never made sense.