Test kits - what are you using?

snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/390465/test-kits-what-are-you-using#post_3458513
So what are you dosing with and how is your PH & calcium levels?
I dissolved 300g of pickle crisp in a gallon of water for my calcium dosing. I dissolved 300g of baking soda in one gallon of water for alkalinity. That brings the pH down a little. Then I baked some baking soda and dissolved 300g of it in another gallon of water. It increases the pH. I dissolved 64oz of Epsom salt in a gallon of water for my magnesium. I test my pH, cal and alk levels before dosing anything to see how much and which formula I need to dose. I'm using API test kits, but I'm hoping that they are accurate.
I just tested my alkalinity and it was 7dKH and my calcium Was 420ppm. Obviously, my SPS corals are using it. I'm also getting a lot of coralline algae starting to grow as well. I dosed 4.6 Oz. of alkalinity and 1 oz of calcium and 4 oz of magnesium for good measure.
?
Im going to give it a few hours and re test. I think I'll save up for seachem test kits and try em. I'm up for something new. :)
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/390465/test-kits-what-are-you-using/20#post_3458588
I dissolved 300g of pickle crisp in a gallon of water for my calcium dosing. I dissolved 300g of baking soda in one gallon of water for alkalinity. That brings the pH down a little. Then I baked some baking soda and dissolved 300g of it in another gallon of water. It increases the pH. I dissolved 64oz of Epsom salt in a gallon of water for my magnesium. I test my pH, cal and alk levels before dosing anything to see how much and which formula I need to dose. I'm using API test kits, but I'm hoping that they are accurate.
I just tested my alkalinity and it was 7dKH and my calcium Was 420ppm. Obviously, my SPS corals are using it. I'm also getting a lot of coralline algae starting to grow as well. I dosed 4.6 Oz. of alkalinity and 1 oz of calcium and 4 oz of magnesium for good measure.
?
Im going to give it a few hours and re test. I think I'll save up for seachem test kits and try em. I'm up for something new. :)
Looks like you have a good handle on the dosing saga. It's a endless battle, for you young guys. I just keep a low count of LPS and do water changes, when ever they tell me too. My polyps are the most demanding, they wanted a change this weekend, but they are still waiting, they are not happy and it wont happen tonight.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Yeah mr limpid, gotta watch them polyps and get them checked regularly.

?
Yeah I understand chemistry pretty well I guess. I just mainly want an accurate test kit so that I know my system is well balanced.
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/390465/test-kits-what-are-you-using/20#post_3458795
This is just an open discussion for everyone.
But I am personally going to try seachem first and then salifert
They only test kit I use by seachem was there copper kit, after 4 different kits none of them ever tested the sample that comes with the kit correctly. As for salifert only heard good thing about them never used one myself.
 
slice

slice

Active Member
I've played with the idea to start a "Whats my result?" thread ever since BTLD said, maybe a year or so ago, that she could tell what test results are just by looking at the vial without referencing a color card.
I completely believe her, but I think it would be fun to have a pic of vials of test results (no color card) and see who can list the brand, test type and approx result.
I might do that this weekend...
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slice http:///t/390465/test-kits-what-are-you-using/20#post_3458812
I've played with the idea to start a "Whats my result?" thread ever since BTLD said, maybe a year or so ago, that she could tell what test results are just by looking at the vial without referencing a color card.
I completely believe her, but I think it would be fun to have a pic of vials of test results (no color card) and see who can list the brand, test type and approx result.
I might do that this weekend...
that sound like a good idea, I can do that with my API ammonia and nitrate test.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member

They only test kit I use by seachem was there copper kit, after 4 different kits none of them ever tested the sample that comes with the kit correctly. As for salifert only heard good thing about them never used one myself.
 
There is no best brand :laughing: There was a time when we saw people posting about Salifert and there bad test kit batches. People were buying new kits and they were not testing correctly. Example the Red Sea Reef Potassium Pro is the top test right now. But I don't like any of there standard tests that I've used. The Salifert Mag test does not read high enough why I will be looking for a different one. The Salifert Strontium test is not precise enough. So now you have heard something bad about Salifert. If you sick around long enough you will hear something bad about every brand. This is why I am not brand loyal.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member

I agree, but have not looked to see what other mag tests go up to...
 
 
Neither have I.
 
southern wolf

southern wolf

Member
So what I am seeing is that some brands are better than others at specific tasks. Why even bother getting a master test kit then. Just when I thought I had it figured out... now I gotta go back to square one.
At least I stumbled across this post before I went and bought a master test kit. Now to decide what name brand to get for what.
 
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