Salifert KH test kits.
- Thread starter jim5280
- Start date
They seem to run a little high sometimes, based on a number of user reports. They do provide a reference solution which you can use to verify the kit. . In my experience, the Salifert test is very consistent and easy to use. Their customer service , however, is poor.
I use to use API and then I tried salifert...I found it to be more accurate just because I can test the kit with the reference solution.
What I fould that salifert recorded 0.5meq/l higher than the API test kit...but then I checked the test kit with the reference solution and it came 99% close so I determined that the salifert kit was more accurate..
What I fould that salifert recorded 0.5meq/l higher than the API test kit...but then I checked the test kit with the reference solution and it came 99% close so I determined that the salifert kit was more accurate..
Yeah but if salifert checked it's reference solution with its own test kit.???lol. I cross check with api and find that .5 or 1.4 or so dkh variation as well. I just think it's very hard to find a reliable hobby test kit at a reasonalbe price. . Since I run alk at 11dk to 12dkh (salifert) I'm not to concerned if it's reading a point or so high but if I were shooting for 7 it could be a problem.
Relating to this very topic, I just bought an updated Salifert Alk test kit and it came with a 8 dkh reference solution. But did not come with any directions for its use. Dumb question, how do you use the "reference solution" that the test kit came from?
Also, to answer the above question(s) directly, I have Salifert, API and Elos and all are within an acceptable range of each other with no statistical deference in readings of Alk. IMHO if everyone is so concerned about how one companies test kit reads simply use (at least two) different brand kit to double check your tanks parameters. I actually use three: API, Salifert and Elos (Salifert being the most used) and use the other two to keep checks & balances.
Just my two cents.......
Also, to answer the above question(s) directly, I have Salifert, API and Elos and all are within an acceptable range of each other with no statistical deference in readings of Alk. IMHO if everyone is so concerned about how one companies test kit reads simply use (at least two) different brand kit to double check your tanks parameters. I actually use three: API, Salifert and Elos (Salifert being the most used) and use the other two to keep checks & balances.
Just my two cents.......
Shortly after the post I used the 8.0dHK solution that came with the test. I added the entire syringe and just started to see the color change. This tells me that the test is giving me a false high, assuming that the solution is 8.0dKH. I ordered a Lamotte ALK kit, should be here Thursday, and I will post my results.
Thanks, Jim.
Thanks, Jim.
I've just been using the API test kits ever since Salifert had that debacle/dropout with the hobbyists a number of years back. That being said, I still have a bunch of salifert kits sitting around, though as they're expiring, I'm not buying new ones.
If you want more accuracy, half the amount of solution you're adding to the sample or double the amount of sample water you're adding in the beginning. I'm loving how freakin' easy it is to test with the API test kit, after going through all the salifert testing over the years.....
If you want more accuracy, half the amount of solution you're adding to the sample or double the amount of sample water you're adding in the beginning. I'm loving how freakin' easy it is to test with the API test kit, after going through all the salifert testing over the years.....
I agree with you regarding API. I mostly use Salifert, but do use API to double check my readings from time to time. IMHO API is one of the most under rated test kits out there.
With that said can you please elaborate on how you gain more accuracy with the API Alk test. I could not quite figure out exactly how you are recommending getting a more accurate reading from it. Sorry for the dumb question, but just want to make sure I understand how to do it 100%.
Thanks a bunch
With that said can you please elaborate on how you gain more accuracy with the API Alk test. I could not quite figure out exactly how you are recommending getting a more accurate reading from it. Sorry for the dumb question, but just want to make sure I understand how to do it 100%.
Thanks a bunch
Orr2003
New member
I have a new Salifert Alk kit that I checked against my La Motte Alk kit and they are almost exactly the same. Really really close.
Also the reference solution that came with mine is 8.1dkh and when I checked that solution I got a reading of 7.9/8.0 and the error range of the reference solution is (+/- .3).
Batch number on the reference solutionis T22-0808
Also the reference solution that came with mine is 8.1dkh and when I checked that solution I got a reading of 7.9/8.0 and the error range of the reference solution is (+/- .3).
Batch number on the reference solutionis T22-0808
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