Test kits and Alk testing?

[reefboarder]

I am wondering what others are using to test their params?
I currently use,
seachem reefstatus calcium
seachem reefstatus magnesium/carbonate/borate (three tests kits one box)
redsea ph/alkalinity (two tests one box)
Apex controller for ph and temp as well as the other great benefits of a controller.
I also use an API reef test for nitrate/nitrite, ammonia, ph

My concern is that both tests I have for alkalinity involve a certain amount of guestimation and I feel if I am going to test everyday I might as well know exactly what the alk is and not Oh well it took .2 ml for the color change on the seachem test so it means my total alk is 2.0 meq/l but based on this hokie redsea color comparator my alk is 2.2-2.5 meq/l.

So what is everyone else using? do you read in dkh or meq/l and should I be testing for borate alkalinity?

Based on reading the interpretation in the seachem instructions it says I should maintain a total alk of 4-5 meq/l with a borate component of 1.5-2.0 meq/l.
Does anyone run their alk that high and test for borate alk regularly?

My current up to the minute params are,
total alk 2.3-2.6 meq/l range
borate alk 1.0 meq/l
calc 420
magnesium 1250
po4 .05
ph 8.30
temp 76.5
sg 1.026

I did post this in the reef chemistry but the best answer I could get was,
" as long as dont get my test kit from wal-mart I'm ok right?)
" am I missing something here is it really necessary to be that precise"
" I have never even heard of borate we need a pro here"

 

[dreaminmel]

I use Salifert for all and have a Pinpoint pH monitor. I used to occassionally test borate alk with my Seachem kit but it was always right where it should be (according to them) so I stopped bothering. Salifert Alk tests in dKH with the ability to convert to meq/L on the chart. According to it... natural sea water is 7-8dKH or 2.5-2.9 meq/L. I normally run my Alk at 10dKH aka about 3.6 meq/L and would never intentionally go any higher.

 

[reefboarder]

Does the salifert seem to be pretty accurate or does it have that certain guestimation factor? Should I not be that concerned about my accuracy?

 

[diverdick]

imo, they are accurate. just take your time with the drop methodology and you will find consistent results.

 

[kase]

I use LaMotte Kits and make sure parameters are in check by using Salifert to compare. Both seems to be pretty accurate.

 

[reefboarder]

Thanks for the replies everyone! are there meters for alk monitoring?

 

[GMaquarium]

Test kits are a funny topic. You can debate how accurate one over the other is but when you test them all against eachother, you will get some funny looking results. I spent some time couple years ago in search of the best test kits. At the end of it all I gave up and now use a number of different brands. I have three Alk/Dkh and calcium brand kits, sometimes I will do all and take the middle number. But most of the time I do not bother.
Don't get hung up on the actual number a test will give you, but look for the changes. I only test water to figure out the rate of depletion or accumulation.

 

[reefboarder]

Thanks G, that is the answer I was looking for.