Test Kits?

[Shannonsreef]

Which iyo are the best(most accurate) test kits for calcium and alkalinity? Thanks.

 

[Billybeau1]

I would need to know this first.

Do you care about exact numbers to the decimal point, or are general number and ease of use important to you ?

 

[Shannonsreef]

Well i would like a fairly precice number, but on the other hand if it comes down to a complete chemistry set, I don't think I would take the time to test very often. So i guess ease of use is important also.

 

[Billybeau1]

Salifert, Elos and API top my list. All accurate but Salifert gives a more precise result.

API is inexpensive but give general accurate results. 7 dkh, 8, dkh 9 dkh etc. Calcium = 380 ppm, 400 ppm, 420 ppm, etc

This doesn't matter to some folks.

 

[moo0o]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11762930#post11762930 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billybeau1
Salifert, Elos and API top my list. All accurate but Salifert gives a more precise result.

API is inexpensive but give general accurate results. 7 dkh, 8, dkh 9 dkh etc. Calcium = 380 ppm, 400 ppm, 420 ppm, etc

This doesn't matter to some folks.

i second that!

 

[sjfishguy]

I use API for everything except Mag, best value in my opinion. I am very happy with them and used Salifert for everything before them.

 

[winland]

I have been using Salifert KH/Alk (green dye) for the past year. Recently they have changed to a red dye liquid and I have one of those test kits. There has been several threads regarding some of the current Salifert KH/Alk tests and their accuracy. From what I have read, Elos is currently the best, reasonably priced, KH/alk test with API being the economical second choice. I purchased both the Elos and the API KH test kits. I tested 2 - Salifert test kits that I have along with the Elos and the API.

Salifert (green) 12.5 dKH
Salifert (red) 12.0 dKH
Elos 10.0 dKH
API 12.0 dKH

As usual, the more I spend, the more confused I get.

winland

 

[Billybeau1]

:lol:

I would say your alk is within the recommended range either way you slice it.

Hobby grade test kits are always going to give us fits but I think its safe to say your alk is in pretty good shape.

I'll be your tank looks great, doesn't it.