What test kit are you using?

[Sea-men]

What test kits are you using?
I Can't seem to find a test for calcium that is EZ to read. Any ideas?

 

[Gomer]

I'm currently using the Elos kit (I wanted to try something new). It works well. I've also used the Seachem Reefstatus Ca kit and also really like it. They are titration kits (more effort, but potential for high accuracy).

I got both kits at MD and they run about $30.

 

[Lps157]

I'm also using the Elos kit for Ca & Alk. Happy with it. Once you use the test a few times it get pretty easy to do.

 

[xmenx2dad]

I used API test kits for everything except mg. That I used a Red sea test kit

 

[Gomer]

I use API for alk. Calibrate it and you can use a syringe for high precision measurements on the cheap :-D

 

[Sea-men]

What I am looking for is a test that changes color. Like my alk test, it goes from blue to yellow/clear in one drop. I can tell exactly when it changes. All the calcium Tests I have used in the past go from purple to darker purple, - darker purple,- purple/blue then a blue/purple and finely a blueish color, but it’s hard to tell exactly when the change from blue to purple happens.

 

[Bananafish]

The API test gives accurate readings if you let it sit a few seconds between drops when you get close. I expect my Ca to be 400-420, so I start with 18 drops of #2, mix it well, then add another drop, let it sit 30 seconds, check it against a white background, add a drop if you have to. I know the test is accurate because I had my water tested at work with a mass spectrometer. I got 410 - they got 408.7something. Close enough for me.

 

[Gomer]

Seamen, that is because of they all use an indicator called Eriochrome black. No way around that.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&...=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1160&bih=907


I don't know how sharp the transition is (I don't test often), but iirc, it was clear enough for me on the Elos and Seachem kits.

 

[seesick]

The API test gives accurate readings if you let it sit a few seconds between drops when you get close. I expect my Ca to be 400-420, so I start with 18 drops of #2, mix it well, then add another drop, let it sit 30 seconds, check it against a white background, add a drop if you have to. I know the test is accurate because I had my water tested at work with a mass spectrometer. I got 410 - they got 408.7something. Close enough for me.

Wow! I was using seachem but now I am switching to API thank you for the insight. do you buy it local or on-line?

Well Done - Bananafish:idea:

 

[dsepp]

I have been using a Redsea ca test kit and it worked fine until this last time. Seems like my CA reading is REALLY low but the tank doesn't seem to be suffering like it would if that were true. I need to take some water to the LFS or get another kit to verify. Anyone have an idea about kit expiration times and what happens when they get old?