Test kits (1 Viewer)

[Wingnut]

Hey guys , who makes the best most accurate test kits , I have two Red Sea kits and I test my water every couple of days, but I don't have degree in chemistry and Mg. Ca. And KH test I fill like I need to be a chemist I am a fricking Mechanic. Any advise

 

[Mark L.]

For Alk, phosphate and phosphorus get a Hanna Checker. For cal, mag, nitrate you can go with Nyos, Elos, Red Sea, etc. they are all about the same.

 

[Wingnut]

Thanks

 

[Scarbl]

I noticed there are two different Hanna phosphate checkers. What is the difference and which one should I get?

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[PSXerholic]

Hey guys , who makes the best most accurate test kits , I have two Red Sea kits and I test my water every couple of days, but I don't have degree in chemistry and Mg. Ca. And KH test I fill like I need to be a chemist I am a fricking Mechanic. Any advise

Howdy,
I'm millwright ;-)

Phosphate and Phosphorus get a Hanna Checker.
MG,CA,ALK,No3,Potassium,Iodine Red Sea pro and later the cheaper refills
Strontium,ALK Salifert


-Andre

 

[Wingnut]

Ok one more question then done with testing equipment , is it normal to have calibrate Red Sea refractometer every time you use it , it seems like mine is off every time I open the case have to recalibrate. Is this normal

 

[Fish Keeper82]

My refactometer never drifts. I check it with calibrating solution every month or 2 just to make sure it's still right.
Most instructions on refractometers say to calibrate with RO water however that will be off for our purposes. Calibrate with solution of 35ppt that way you will be calibrated at the salinity of your reef.
This article explains in detail Refractometers and Salinity Measurement by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

I got mine from brs.

Aqua Craft Refractometer Calibration Fluid - Bulk Reef Supply


My refactometer was of .003 when calibrated with RO water and therefore my tank was at 1.022 for years when I though I was at 1.025.

 

[Clownfish Chris]

Ok one more question then done with testing equipment , is it normal to have calibrate Red Sea refractometer every time you use it , it seems like mine is off every time I open the case have to recalibrate. Is this normal

Red Sea recommends calibration each time you use it. Mine stays dead on though and I never have to change it. I use a 35ppt solution for calibration in spite of red sea's recommendation. It seems logical to me that if I want to shoot for 35ppt I should calibrate to 35ppt not 0.

 

[d2mini]

Beyond what MarkL said, the NYOS kits are some of the easiest to use.
And yes... that dang red sea refractometer does need to be calibrated with RO water every time you use it. I've tried three of them and they always shift.
And MAKE SURE that the RO water is room temp and give it a minute or two on the refractometer before making your adjustment.
They are really sensitive.

 

[Wingnut]

Thanks Guys I do use RO water , I will have to let it set longer I usual only wait 10 are 15 seconds , will check calibrating solution.

 

[Scarbl]

Which hanna phosphate checker do we need for reef aquarium use? The one that measures in ppm or ppb.

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[FarmerTy]

Which hanna phosphate checker do we need for reef aquarium use? The one that measures in ppm or ppb.

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PPB is ideal as we tend to measure more in the low range.

Just make sure you convert the results to ppm. I'd list the formula but I'm not in a good spot to look it up and copy here.

 

[Scarbl]

Thanks for the response. I'm still cooking my rocks and have not tested them yet.

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