old test kits. time to replace.

[cubsFAN]

So, I've been using api test kits the past few years, and they are now 3 years old and not reading correctly. I want to get new kits. I test for ph, calcium, magnesium, kH, nitrates, and phosphates.

I want to get all salifert, but they are pretty expensive. Can someone suggest what kits I can use api reliably for so I can save some cash? I was using a red sea test kit for mag. I'm pretty sure it was a bust from the beginning because my mag was unreadable. Is salifert the best mag test for the buck?

I'm sure I could do a search, but I'm sure someone has figured out the best way to go about this. It would also be nice if someone could suggest who to buy from. I usually order from MD or BRS, but neither have all the products in stock.

My api kits: ph 8.0 cal 440 kH 6 nitrates 0 phosphates 0

store api kits: ph 7.8 cal over 520 off the charts kH 4 nitrates 0 phosphates 0

 

[Orcrone]

Calcium - I used API for calcium. When it was getting low I purchased a Salifert kit. Found the two of them to match pretty closely so I wouldn't have a problem recommending API. The Salifert does give you 10 ppm resolution vs. 20 ppm with API.

Nitrates - If it's a FOWLR system API works well. But the first step after 0 is 5 ppm. If you have a reef you'll probably prefer Salifert where the first step after 0 is 0.5 ppm.

KH - I've been happy with API and it's a simple test, but I've never compared it to other test kits.

Phosphates - From what I've read none of the liquid titration test kits do a good job with this. I use a Hanna phosphorous meter.

pH - I believe API is fairly accurate, but I use a Hanna meter here also and have a pH probe on my controller. I find that if I keep my alkalinity and calcium in the correct range pH takes care of itself.

Magnesium - Sorry, no good suggestions here.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[cubsFAN]

Hope this helps!!!

It sure does. I think I'll pick up a hanna for my phosphate. I've had my eye on one. maybe one for the alk too. Think I'll go salifert for the trates and mag and api with the rest.

How does that sound to everyone?

 

[Orcrone]

Sounds good. More people opt for instruments for phosphates vs. alkalinity mainly because there are many accurate, easy to use titration kits for alkalinity. One thing about phosphates and Hanna. They make a phosphate (measured in ppm) meter and a phosphorous meter (measured in ppb). I have the phophorous meter and multiply by .003 to convert to phosphates in ppm. A minor inconvenience, but it's more accurate in the low range than the phosphate meter. They look identical and cost the same, but use different reagents. I believe it's model 736.