All test kits created equal?

drew1092 · 08-22-2009, 10:16 PM

My question is simple, possibly stupid. Are all water test kits created equal? I purchased API master reef kit which I have found pretty easy to use. Some colors are way to similar though to find exact number. For example, the Nitrate test, 5 and 10 are the EXACT same color. Other than that pretty easy.

How accurate are these tests? My PH probe gets same reading as Ph test. But recently I took a water sample to Petco for free analysis and they said ammonia is 3 when I get 0. Are API tests no good? Are there better quality kits out there? What do you all recommend? Thanks!

ckusnierek · 08-23-2009, 12:28 AM

I'd say for the basic test
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, PH There all relatively accurate

EQUAL? Not a chance!
The API and much lower resolution than high end ones.
For example API
KH (alkalinity) results are in 1dkh and your best guess will be within 1-2 dkh for accuracy
Saliferts will give you exact readings in XX.X incriminates.

I do use the cheap API tests for those listed above but for critical elements I use Saliferts.

Loverotties · 08-23-2009, 08:14 AM

I use Salifert.

drew1092 · 08-24-2009, 11:09 AM

Thanks. Consensus seems to be Salifert... and price would back that up! For critical tests do you mean alk, Mg and Ca? Any others suggested? Thanks

jumeda33 · 09-02-2009, 03:42 PM

I have always used Salifert. I just bought Elos yesterday. It showed that my Alk was way too high but three other tests showed that it was where is should be. (or at least close). The Elos calcium test was pretty much the same as the Salifert but a little harder to use. The Elos Mg test showed my Mg much higher than the Elos. With all that being said, I think I will go back to Salifert.

jumeda33 · 09-04-2009, 06:17 AM

Ok, I am responding to my own post. First of all I need to correct the previous post. I meant to say the my Elos Mg test showed my Mg much higher than the SALIFERT test. I retested with the Elos and got it closer but just a matter of two drops difference made the reading change from 1350 to 1450. I think that is a little to close drop wise for comfort. Also, I e-mailed Jesse about my Elos Alk problem. The instructions were wrong so it showed my Alk very high. He gave me the right instructions and all is well with Elos Alk now. I still like Salifert Mg and Ca better but I will probably use Elos Alk now. It is just as accurate as Salifert and easier to use. Hope that helps anybody out there.