Test kit question

[Fishturd]

ok, I use Salifert test kits to test my Cal, Alk, and Mag. But I use Red Sea to test everything else. I'm looking for something like Salifert to test Amm, nitrate, & nitrates. I wasnt to impressed with the Salifert Amm kit. The color of the Amm levels look all the same to me...lol Shoot some ideas at me, thanks.

[tdwyatt]

seachem ammonia alert tag

[gwen_o_lyn]

I use this

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=SC4151

but keep in mind, I'm not color blind either!!

[Fishturd]

TDWyatt, really....never looked twice at those. You have a link to it just to make sure if its the same one that ive seen before.

[Loverotties]

ussally you don't need to test ammonia after it cycles.

[gwen_o_lyn]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

ussally you don't need to test ammonia after it cycles.

Is that so? hmmmm I'm wasting a lot of time then!!

[Fishturd]

I test for everything.....rather be safe that sorry...I usally test now one a week. Like I say;"WHAT THE HELL, IT'S ONLY MONEY".

[gwen_o_lyn]

Originally Posted by Fishturd

I test for everything.....rather be safe that sorry...I usally test now one a week. Like I say;"WHAT THE HELL, IT'S ONLY MONEY".

OK at least you are making me feel like I'm not wasting all that time!! lol
Those 2 ammonia tests take forever!!

[tdwyatt]

The ammonia tag is not that accurate, but it is sensitive, and will show ammonia when it appears 24/7. In an established tank, all you need to know is that ammonia is present, not how much. If you have ammonia in an established tank, you have issues that can snowball quickly as time advances, so monitring his tag is a smart thing to do to prevent such scenarios.


as far as low level nitrATES go, I like the Sal;ifert kit the best of those available for hobbyist use. If you see ammonia in an established tanks, big water changes, ammocarb, amquell and nitrates tests are indicated, as well as cranking up the skimmer and your calcium reactor flow rate if so equipped.