test kit opinion

[nycdominicanreef]

whats your take on API reef master test kit? test kits in general. which is the best?
where to find it the cheapest

 

[Lunareclipse]

Salifert is the best, period. API is the best for people on a budget.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

i find that api alk and calcium are pretty decent, easy to use and cheap.

mag.-salifert, nitrate - pinpoint nitrate meter.....waiting on the hanna meter for the phos.

 

[irvp13]

I like the API reef kit, stay away from tetra, for calcium I'm using red sea and I'm liking it better than API.
At some point I read somewhere that salifert used to be excellent, but they had a period of time when the quality was declining to the point it was a matter of luck if your test was going to work or not. I don't know if its true but I didn't want to pay the extra premium for something that might be even worse than API.

 

[Awibrandy]

API for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, Salifert for akl, Ca, mag, HM Digital Meter for PH!

 

[DREUTZ]

I'm sure everyone has heard that the test tubes for the API are not exactly 5 ml at that line they say to fill it up to. I used a syringe and filled it up with exactly 5 ml and it was a good half inch off of the line. Will the results be more accurate if you fill it up to the recommended line or fill it up with the recommended 5 ml?

 

[bad coffee]

Salifert for people on a budget, LaMotte if you've got the cash.

B

 

[KathyC]

I'm sure everyone has heard that the test tubes for the API are not exactly 5 ml at that line they say to fill it up to. I used a syringe and filled it up with exactly 5 ml and it was a good half inch off of the line. Will the results be more accurate if you fill it up to the recommended line or fill it up with the recommended 5 ml?

I just tried this using the tubes from 3 different API kits and the syringe from a Salifert kit and can't agree with you.
Once the test tube is wet (API does suggest rinsing the tube before you run the test) it does tend to make the water level slightly higher.

On the dry tubes taking the concave meniscus into account, the tubes did measure to 5 ml as expected.

Most of these kits are created assuming a small degree of user error. Between the 'flat spoon of powder' to 'is that still purple or is it really blue now?'

Since API does not include a syringe in their kits, filling it so the bottom of the meniscus is at the top of the line on the test tube, should give you an accurate reading

 

[DREUTZ]

I just tried this using the tubes from 3 different API kits and the syringe from a Salifert kit and can't agree with you.
Once the test tube is wet (API does suggest rinsing the tube before you run the test) it does tend to make the water level slightly higher.

On the dry tubes taking the concave meniscus into account, the tubes did measure to 5 ml as expected.

Most of these kits are created assuming a small degree of user error. Between the 'flat spoon of powder' to 'is that still purple or is it really blue now?'

Since API does not include a syringe in their kits, filling it so the bottom of the meniscus is at the top of the line on the test tube, should give you an accurate reading

Maybe I just have a test tube that is extremely off because 5ml is nowhere near the line

 

[tomtoothdoc]

Maybe I just have a test tube that is extremely off because 5ml is nowhere near the line

i'm with kathy with the api test tubes being very close to 5 ml. i tested all (about 12) of mine and they were pretty much with in 1-2 mm to the line.

 

[lindsay]

I use the Salifert KH and Calcium test kits.A test kit normally last me about 3 to 4 weeks and i have found that from a test kit that runs out to a new one they have normally been very close on the readings.The problems with accuracy normally comes about when the test kit has lasted a long time,esp if when testing the lid on the bottle is left off.