How accurate are API PH test kits?

clownfool · 01/05/2009, 08:27 PM

I won a used Milwaukee PH monitor at a raffle at my Local marine society DFWMAS.

I calibrated it and it came up Green to indicate the monitor is calibrated.

It reads right now at 8.0. I checked the PH with my API PH test kit and it comes up at 8.3.

I am wondering which one is reading right. If the API is right, then maybe I need a new probe. How often do you clean the probe and what with? Ammonia?

psteeleb · 01/05/2009, 08:32 PM

our club tested them along with several other brands and found them to be as good as the others

here's the report

http://www.dfwmas.org/pdf_files/Test...20Analysis.pdf

reefermike1 · 01/05/2009, 09:35 PM

i tested api kits against salifert with no3, ca, kh, mg, and ph and came up with very close results....im no scientist, or anyone really, but my opinion is that they work, especially for how cheap they are..

Ncastro1981 · 01/06/2009, 06:24 PM

I am interested too, and what I think you are looking for is an awnser to which one is more accurate? I am in the same situation and which is more reliable? Also cleaning can be done with vinager as i understand it but please some one correct me if i am wrong.

IFbettas · 01/06/2009, 06:31 PM

I have used API tests in the past, and they seemed to be quite accurate. I'm not sure which one I would believe in your situation though.

herozero · 01/06/2009, 06:33 PM

i've had major problems with a new AC3 i just bought (specifically the pH probe). i just sent it in for repair, so i'm inclined to trust my API kits right now.

gradth · 01/06/2009, 06:55 PM

I have had a couple LFS tell me they were garbage. But I am pretty sure they were trying to get me to buy the more expensive tests they sold. Since I already had picked up a API set I declined but had them check my water and Low and behold they were almost exactly the same results.

So I have trusted them. But im still a newb.

01/05/2009, 08:27 PM	#1
clownfool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DALLAS(Rowlett) Posts: 351	How accurate are API PH test kits? I won a used Milwaukee PH monitor at a raffle at my Local marine society DFWMAS. I calibrated it and it came up Green to indicate the monitor is calibrated. It reads right now at 8.0. I checked the PH with my API PH test kit and it comes up at 8.3. I am wondering which one is reading right. If the API is right, then maybe I need a new probe. How often do you clean the probe and what with? Ammonia?

01/05/2009, 08:32 PM	#2
psteeleb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 5,249	our club tested them along with several other brands and found them to be as good as the others here's the report http://www.dfwmas.org/pdf_files/Test...20Analysis.pdf __________________ A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner Current Tank Info: 110g Mixed Reef, LED's & T5's

01/05/2009, 09:35 PM	#3
reefermike1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 523	i tested api kits against salifert with no3, ca, kh, mg, and ph and came up with very close results....im no scientist, or anyone really, but my opinion is that they work, especially for how cheap they are.. __________________ 180 gallon build in progress http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2370453

01/06/2009, 06:24 PM	#4
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	I am interested too, and what I think you are looking for is an awnser to which one is more accurate? I am in the same situation and which is more reliable? Also cleaning can be done with vinager as i understand it but please some one correct me if i am wrong. __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

01/06/2009, 06:31 PM	#5
IFbettas Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Woodridge, IL Posts: 1,953	I have used API tests in the past, and they seemed to be quite accurate. I'm not sure which one I would believe in your situation though. __________________ Current Tank Info: 180G SPS Dominant, 75 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 3x250w Reeflux 12k in Lumenbrights, Octo Extreme 250 Skimmer, Lots of flow

01/06/2009, 06:33 PM	#6
herozero Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 717	i've had major problems with a new AC3 i just bought (specifically the pH probe). i just sent it in for repair, so i'm inclined to trust my API kits right now.

01/06/2009, 06:55 PM	#7
gradth Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 517	I have had a couple LFS tell me they were garbage. But I am pretty sure they were trying to get me to buy the more expensive tests they sold. Since I already had picked up a API set I declined but had them check my water and Low and behold they were almost exactly the same results. So I have trusted them. But im still a newb. __________________ Josh Click on the redhouse for my 180 build. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon pennisula reef