Test Kits

[kattsue]

When I test my tank with API kit for nitrate, I got 20 and on Red Sea, I got 5. How could there be so much discrepancy in the results. The phospate on API is 1 and Red Sea 0.2. Which result should I trust? Also, does it make a difference when you test? Both of these results are right after I changed water and stirred everything up.

 

[bertoni]

I didn't have much luck with my Red Sea test kits, and ended up returning them. Nitrate tests are notoriously inaccurate, though, in any case.

 

[kattsue]

What is the best kit to use to get accurate results? If nitrate test kits are inaccurate, how to you accurately measure it?

 

[swreasercher]

laso if so inaccurate why test if it will be wrong?

 

[bertoni]

Well, I don't test nitrate, personally. I've used the Salifert and Instant Ocean nitrate tests in the past, and they seem okay. Some animals might have issues with nitrate, mostly stony corals. A nitrate test generally will tell you if nitrate is present, which can cause coloration problems.

 

[Imanz0]

How is tetra test? Blue and black background.

 

[BeesGoneWild]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12256135#post12256135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
I didn't have much luck with my Red Sea test kits, and ended up returning them. Nitrate tests are notoriously inaccurate, though, in any case.

i have to agree with bert. The red sea test kits are way off for me as well. Right know im using salifert, and i love them.

 

[jimwat]

I have been pleased with the Salifert test overall.

 

[Imanz0]

So is my tetra test kit good or no?

 

[woogy]

the shades of colors are sometimes so close it's hard to tell what it is...i like the salifert because if it 0 then it is clear. I use the API test kits as well and those are easier to distinguish than the readings than the red sea. I would go with the API reading IMO

 

[Imanz0]

Is that tetratest kit good or not, its what i got.

 

[adammreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12256754#post12256754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Imanz0
Is that tetratest kit good or not, its what i got.

its not a great test kit i also agree with the salfret text kits they are very accurate. try them out and compare them to your tetra kitsi bet you will see a difference.