Whats a good Alkalinity test kit?

[spleify]

I am currently using Salifert...not a big fan of these. I have two of them and get readings anywhere from 12, 15, 16, 19.... All over the board. I had a buddy test with a API test kit and it read 10 on my newly mixed Reef Crystals.

What do you all suggest, oh and I am not looking for the most expensive one. Just a descent, affordable kit.

Thanks

Spleify

 

[HornetMech242]

I have been using the salifert without issue.

Chris

 

[bertoni]

I've been using Salifert, too, but Elos and API get good reviews.

 

[fishysteve]

I use LaMotte. Always consistant.

 

[CW from the OC]

I routinely use LaMotte and Salifert. I do them both side by side, every day or two. The salifert reads .2 to 1 dkh higher than the LM. The Sali also seems to be less consistent. But it is cheaper, doing twice as many tests for similar $. If you use the low resoltion method it does 4x the tests. I like to test alk daily, so cost is a factor.

One thing that helps is, call marine depot, they can get you a "refill" kit for the LM test that is just the reagents. There are 2 parts, and it totals something like $12. This really helps cut down the cost.

 

[madadi]

i love my Lamotte alk test kit. i compared it to 3 API tests and they were pretty close too. i use API for a quick test but Lamotte for my bi weekly alk testing.

 

[Kep]

I use Elos.

 

[unbreakable]

API

 

[bohannbj]

I like elos becuase it is very simple to use. IMO simplicity = less human error and better results.

 

[snorvich]

I use and like Elos. Simple. Take 5 ml of water from a syringe into a test tube. Continue dropping one drop of test reagent until the color changes.

 

[ReefNOut]

Lamotte

 

[Compguy]

I've always had more accurate readings and more consistent with salifert for the alk test kit, and usually matches up with my API

 

[borcu]

tropic marin here.

 

[tegee]

API is just as accurate as my Elos and Salifert and is a fraction of the cost. I personally like API, but backup the readings with Elos.

 

[Davo]

Hach H2O

 

[Boomer]

The salifert reads .2 to 1 dkh higher than the LM

And it should, as almost all ALk kits are really FW kits. The Salifert is titrated to a seawater end point, so there is like ~10 % more Alk showig on a the Salifet, as it should.

 

[CW from the OC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12757693#post12757693 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Boomer
The salifert reads .2 to 1 dkh higher than the LM

And it should, as almost all ALk kits are really FW kits. The Salifert is titrated to a seawater end point, so there is like ~10 % more Alk showig on a the Salifet, as it should.

So which is "correct", the Salifert, or the LaMatte? It sounds like you are saying the Salifert is.....

 

[Boomer]

Yes, Salifert as is a test kit for seawater. It is really nothing to be very concerned about.

 

[kdblove_99]

I use Salifert