which test kit?

joyiazzz

joyiazzz

New Member
I have some questions about which test kit is more precise.
The one I have used till today is the Saltwater test kit by API that tests for Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and PH
The other is one my mother brought home made by Red Sea.
I used both today to see which I prefer and got different results on the Nitrite and Nitrate levels.
The API tests came back negative, while the Red Sea tests came back high. (nitrite was .05 ppm and nitrate was very high)
I am more inclined to go with the Red sea tests because I am aware that I have more nitrate in my tank than I should.
I was just wondering what your opinions of both of these tests kit are and what should I use in the future.
 
sly

sly

Active Member
If you have 2 test kits showing different results then I would take the water to the LFS and see what they get. If their results agree with one of your kits then I would stop using the other one.
If you want to spend the money, Salifert test kits are considered the most accurate. I would look into getting them instead.
 
rort

rort

Member
I have had really good results with the API test kits. I use small test strips as well when I dont have the time to use the API.
I have also had a LFS check my testings and they have been spot on. I would just try being exact with the drops and the drop sizes in the small tubes.
 
bioneck47

bioneck47

Member
I've heard of people having problems with the red sea test kits. For Nitrates,nitrites, and ammonia I use API and a ph meter for ph. I also have salifert for nitrates and I actually like API better. Salifert is good if you want to know what your nitrates are between 1 and 10ppm but I think API is easier to read and therefore more accurate between 10-100ppm. When checking nitrates w/ API make sure you shake the 2nd bottle for at least 30sec. before adding drops and then the test tube for one minute. Not doing this does give inacurate readings.
 
woody189

woody189

Member
I had a red sea test kit and it was terrible. My ammonia test was defective, so as a result i cycled my tank for probably like 2 weeks extra because i thought i still had ammonia. The nitrite was also innacurate.
I now use API and am pretty happy when i compare to LFS
 
joyiazzz

joyiazzz

New Member
Originally Posted by Sly
http:///forum/post/2688025
If you have 2 test kits showing different results then I would take the water to the LFS and see what they get. If their results agree with one of your kits then I would stop using the other one.
If you want to spend the money, Salifert test kits are considered the most accurate. I would look into getting them instead.
I work at the LFS and we use the API test kits. So that won't really tell me anything useful. :)
I also like API a bit better and its not nearly as complicated at the red sea test kit. I think I'll stick with it. Thanks for the input
 
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