What is the best calcium test kit?

[northbay-reefer]

My Elos reads 450 and my old Salifert reads 380, I think the Salifert has expired.

I have heard good things about API and it's cheap, is it any good?

 

[Plumstr8]

I like the API liquid test kit!

 

[lattehiatus]

Bumping this thread because I've been getting different readings for Calcium and Magnesium from Salifert and Tropic Marin test kits. The most recent are:

Calcium
Salifert: 400ppm
Tropic Marin: 452ppm

Magnesium
Salifert: 1290ppm
Tropic Marin: 1460ppm

Best before dates:
Salifert Calcium test: 12/2012
Salifert Magnesium test: 04/2011
Tropic Marin Ca/Mg test: 05/2014

From the last 3 test results, the Salifert kits are producing results consistently lower compared to the results from Tropic Marin's test. I'd still like to know which provides a more accurate picture of the water parameters in my tank, since according to one test I am close to the lower limits for calcium, while the other indicates the calcium is in a good place.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Tamazula]

Would love to know people's opinions on test kits as well...

 

[mavjoy]

I've been using Elos and nothing else to compare it with...works great for me.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

I am not a fan of test kits

 

[patchin]

I started a thread on this a year or so ago. Can't seem to copy and paste the url, though. Search "test kit" and it comes up. How do you copy and paste a url?

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Here you go, Steve.

http://www.bareefers.org/home/node/9269

Just copy from the address bar in your browser.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Just a note: don't waste money on API cal test kit, I though I try it because it is cheap, but after comparing it to the Elos, the API cal readings were way off.

 

[lattehiatus]

Out of curiosity, how did you make the determination that it was the API test that was off, and not the Elos?

 

[rygh]

I have tried both API and Salifert against each other, and they matched.
Maybe luck, but it was within the error of the test.
I stuck with API because the test is really simple, thus I test more often.

I do shake the reagents a lot every time before using, and wash vials + tops carefully.
From chem class, things like that can make a big difference.

Maybe someday I will drop the coin and go electronic.
Although I hear you have to calibrate all the time, so not sure if
it really ends up easier or better. Other opinions??

 

[lattehiatus]

Quick update: I picked up an API calcium test kit since I needed a padding item to hit the free shipping threshold. Compared with a new Salifert calcium test kit, both gave the same results. I intend to continue testing with both kits simultaneously to determine how close they read, maybe Hanna will finally have released their calcium colorimeter by the time I settle on which kit has a more accurate midpoint.