Test kits

[Deanos]

Try here: Aquatic Tech

 

[Davidkirschenbaum]

Test kits are required for all aquariums. They provide a quick and reliable way to measure levels of elements and compounds in the aquarium and can give the aquarium owner insight to the general quality of the water ([[water quality]]). There are a variety of test kit manufacturers utilizing different designs. They require the person running the test to take water out of the aquarium and add certain measurement chemicals in order to identify the level of the object being tested. Test kits come in three flavors:

• Digital test kits ([[probes]])
• Test kit "strips"
• Regular test kits
• Mail away testing companies

Digital test kits allow you to insert a device into the water being tested to give a quick digital readout of the particular level. Digital test kits are expensive and require routine calibration of the probe. Strip test kits are not as precise as regular test kits but allow the user to dip a strip into the water to get the results. They are easier to use but do not provide the level of granularity required for most marine tanks. "Regular" test kits require the user to take a sample of water out of the aquarium, measure an exact amount into a test vial, and then add a certain number of reagents to cause a reaction within the vial. The results of the reaction are a rapid change in the color of the water and based on the color or the amount of reagent added the user can determine a very precise result. Mail away test companies refers to the growing market for testing labs that provide test results for aquarium water. The user takes several samples of water and mails them to the testing facility. The results of a variety of tests are usually reported back to the user via internet access or email.
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