Why are API test kits 'crap?'
- Thread starter Ellemarley
- Start date
I use api and have tested my water with my test,and then took some water to my lfs,and the readings were very close,but I do admit I'm not sure which kit they used but I know it wasn't api.As far as being hard to read I've gotten quite used to it,BUT,I'm probably going to buy a "better" kit because my Ali is running out and I have the extra money so ill definitely find out the difference in accuracy.
Ron Reefman
Active member
There isn't much difference between API and the others. It kind of like Chevy vs Caddy or Ford vs Lincoln. Yeah the more expensive one is a bit better, but is it really worth it? If somebody made a Mercedes version, I'd consider paying extra for it. I have Salifert and I find my API and Salifert kits read a bit different, but the difference is small and it's the same all the time. Consistency (stable) is WAY more important than accuracy (is calcium 400 or 405... who cares!).
I spoke to the API rep about this.
Although being a rep of course she's going to put us at fault and not the product itself.
But, she did say the nitrate bottle is never used properly, like how many of you actually shake it for the 2 minutes it tells you too?
Try it. Let me know if you still get the same reading?
I swear though, I never had an issue with these kits years ago.
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Although being a rep of course she's going to put us at fault and not the product itself.
But, she did say the nitrate bottle is never used properly, like how many of you actually shake it for the 2 minutes it tells you too?
Try it. Let me know if you still get the same reading?
I swear though, I never had an issue with these kits years ago.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use Salifert. I will also say that I use Tetra test strips, 20 to a little can---the dip-and-read sort used for swimming pools and koi ponds when you just need to get a quick read of a situation. I have a koi pond. I have those, and a better pond test kit; and my Salifert marine tests. Sometimes you need it quickly, to confirm something's not right, and sometimes you need an accurate, written-down, series of tests to monitor a trend. Trends are really, really, really important in this hobby. Alkalinity levels are just about as critical as is the right salinity. As you progress, you'll rarely need to look at the things you look at for your cycle: you'll not see ammonia ever when things are going well, but you will need to monitor your alkalinity, and you should do at least a monthly full series to keep your water quality up. If you start into stony corals or clams, you'll need calcium and magnesium tests as well as the alkalinity test. Brands differ in mode of reading them (color vs numbers) and go for the numerical result every time rather than color, where it's possible.
