Problem getting accurate consistent results with test kit! Suggestions?!

[kkdoughboy]

Hi there everybody, I am getting frustrated trying to get accurate results when testing water parameters. Every kit I use is giving me a different reading. I get especially mixed results when testing for Nitrates. I use three different kits - Red Sea, aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and Sera. They are all over the place. My question is which kit does everyone recommend as being the most accurate? Your comments and opinions are always welcomed. Happy Reefing! Chris

 

[reefworm]

I've had consistently consistent results with LaMotte and Salifert. I use a probe for pH.

 

[GlassReef]

Have to agree with Reef - for nitrates, go with LaMotte or Salifert.

 

[kkdoughboy]

I'll have to pick one up at the LFS next time I'm over there. I think they carry Salifert. One of my kits "Marine Labs" reads Nitrates at 0 while the "Sera" kit is telling me between 50 and 75?! Ugh well thanks for the ideas.

 

[dwd5813]

are you using a syringe to fill the test tubes? the reason i ask is because many of the test tubes you get are marked at levels that are not accurate. there's an old article about test procedures on here. if i can find it i'll post it in this thread.

 

[dwd5813]

here, give this a read..

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-03/nftt/index.php

 

[kkdoughboy]

Very interesting I'll start using the syringe and retest the samples. See what happens. Thanks!!

 

[redfishsc]

Also note that some additives may mask nitrates to certain test kits.

For example, Amquel-plus can mask nitrates and give a false 0 reading, but I suppose some kits might be able to detect it.


In my experience, the API kit tends to read way too high if it's an old kit.