Phosphate Test Kits

[EllieSuz]

Is there much difference between the API and Salifert test kits for phosphate? API is cheaper, but if the Salifert kit is really better, I'll bite the bullet.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I don't know about those two mentioned.
Ideally, for a reef aquarium you'll want a low range PO4 test.
The Hanna checker is THE answer.

 

[EllieSuz]

Jeebus, Gary...those things are like two-hundred bucks! Social Security ain't payin' me no $200.00 to check my phosphate!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

$200 is the Colorimeter.

Hanna law range PO4 checker is $50

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hanna_In...ums-Hanna_Instruments-HN1181-FITEMOID-vi.html

 

[tmz]

I've used the salifert and api. The salifert is better ,imo and pretty good down to about 0.10ppm. The low range(736) checker by hanah seems to get very good reviews and gives a nice digital readout just like the full sized colorimeter.

 

[tommyz44]

I used API and hated it salifert gave better results. But i totally agree with gary i resently purchased the 50$ Hanna and couldnt be happier. It spits out digital number so your not eyballing what you think it is. I highly recomend them if you can. Never used the high end colorometer so i have no idea how different that is.

 

[naprestsleep]

I think people use the Hanna Phosphorus and do some math to get even lower level Phosphate readings.

I have the Hanna Phosphate and Alk(I think), like them but haven't checked anything outside salinity in way to long.

 

[tmz]

tommyz, You can't user that name. I had it first and I'm older than you:wavehand::lol2:
Brings back memories as all my teenage buddies called me that. I had a drill sergeant in basic training who couldn't pronounce my last name so he just called me" Z alphabet".

I use the hanah 713, full sized; it's very good consistent and reliable ovr the thousand or so tests I've run with it.. Would have gone with a checker but I got mine about 5 years ago before they made checkers. Bet the checker is just as good and much less expensive.

 

[FSU3NOLES28]

I used API and hated it salifert gave better results. But i totally agree with gary i resently purchased the 50$ Hanna and couldnt be happier. It spits out digital number so your not eyballing what you think it is. I highly recomend them if you can. Never used the high end colorometer so i have no idea how different that is.

Thats the trouble I have with those color kits from Salifert, Ati, red sea, etc.

Sometimes I just can't tell much of a difference between 2 very different readings. Go out, spend the money on them, take the time to actually try and test your system to see how things are doing and then I can't tell if your nitrates are spot on or sitting at 10. "Take reading when color turns from pink to blue" What the hell color blue are you looking for? Just gets me frustrated.

Maybe its just my eyes LOL