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08/20/2016, 01:43 PM | #1 |
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Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit Inaccurate?
Hey guys.
I purchased a Red Sea Reef Foundation kit that tests for Ca, Mg, and Alkalinity two weeks ago. My tank just finished its cycle and all the rock is cured and ready to go. All parameters are good and my specific gravity is 1.025-1.026 with a constant 78 degree temperature. This will be my first tank with corals. Before I dosed the BRS two part that I purchased, I of course wanted to see where these elements tested so I knew how much I should dose. To my surprise the levels seemed incredibly high. Here are the results: Calcium: 480 ppm Alkalinity: 13.4 dKH Magnesium: 1240 ppm I find this very strange because these elements don't just appear out of no where. The tank has no fish or inverts and I have never dosed the tank. I use Instant Ocean salt mix (not reef crystal version). The package says it comes with all the necessary elements for fish and inverts but this seems crazy. My pH is only 7.8. Unless I'm mistaken having a high alkalinity was supposed to maintain a higher pH? So I am a little lost. Is the test kit the issue? BRS suggested I check my LFS or use another test kit if available, but no one in my city does much of any saltwater and those who do are very inexperienced. I was able to check my alkalinity at petco and petsmart and got the same reading of 180 ppm or around 10 dKH at both. Does anyone have any explanation? One member suggested in another thread that maybe my refractometer needed calibrated since perhaps a very high salinity was contributing to the high alkalinity but I've tested using multiple tools and got the same 1.026 result. Can anyone help? The lives of the animals and inverts are my top priority and I really want to create an optimal environment for them. This test kit has solid reviews, but I have seen some comments of them being inaccurate. Thanks so much for your time and replies. |
08/20/2016, 02:07 PM | #2 |
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nothing wrong with your numbers for IO AK I found when using it can vary Mag is usually low and Cal is random 350-450. I would say get a second test from a trusted LFS to get an idea most LFS use API so expect varying tests but they should be close. As far as PH goes 7.8 is perfectly fine for a cycling tank or really any tank thruout the night as ph typically floats down as photosynth stops happening
never go chasing numbers and always remember to go slow fast changes in water chemistry are worse than so-so numbers also clean those vials with vinager that titration Red Sea uses is a pain and can throw off tests if you have any clear tape wrap or superglue the numbers on the syringe total pita when you look down and realise 4-7 have been wiped clean |
08/20/2016, 02:19 PM | #3 |
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Alright. I'll keep my eye on things and definitely tape the syringes because I have heard issues of the numbers wiping off as well. Thanks for the cleaning ideas to get the best results possible. I appreciate it.
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08/20/2016, 03:18 PM | #4 |
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Location: Ottawa ON Canada
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The magnesium is notoriously wrong on the red sea kits. All others should be fine.
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Russell Banggai / Yellow Wrasse / Black Ice and Davinci Clowns / Flame Angel / Royal Gramma / Blue Chromis / LPS (dominated) / Monti's / Softies / BTA's Current Tank Info: 45G Rimless, Tunze 9004, Kessil A160WE, Gyre XF130, 50lbs rock, Reef Crystals, Phosguard in reactor, Matrix, Chemipure Blue and NP XL biopellets in sump |
08/21/2016, 05:56 PM | #5 | |
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08/21/2016, 06:49 PM | #6 |
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I use the Red Sea tests, no problems with them, once I found the right smartphone app to read the colors ....I am severely colorblind..
I have borrowed water from LFS after they test with a salifert test kit, always came real close to it.. You will go nuts trying to chase that exact number, it just needs to be close to it and hold stable..
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John Adams: "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress." Current Tank Info: 29g with 2 Engineer gobies |
08/22/2016, 05:11 AM | #7 | |
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I too did the test wrong before I figured out what the problem was. LOL I'm not saying what it is but if you go read the directions again I'm sure you'll see it.
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Previous tanks: 200 gal fowlr 9" Emperor Angel and many different butterfly fish 4" maroon clown and several other fish, 50 gal sump, 40 gal mixed reef/fish mostly softies and LPS. Current Tank Info: 40b 750 gph 45 lbs lr, 2"-3" sand, 165w full spectrum dimable LED, 20 gal sump/refugium 30 lbs lr, Bak Pak 2 skimmer, 4" sock temp 79-80, sg 1.026, NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 <10, ph 8.2, calc 400, mag 1300 |
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08/22/2016, 05:43 AM | #8 |
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yeah, they are serious when they tell you to shake the vial for X seconds. It will throw it off if you stray from the instructions..
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John Adams: "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress." Current Tank Info: 29g with 2 Engineer gobies |
08/22/2016, 05:44 PM | #9 | |
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Previous tanks: 200 gal fowlr 9" Emperor Angel and many different butterfly fish 4" maroon clown and several other fish, 50 gal sump, 40 gal mixed reef/fish mostly softies and LPS. Current Tank Info: 40b 750 gph 45 lbs lr, 2"-3" sand, 165w full spectrum dimable LED, 20 gal sump/refugium 30 lbs lr, Bak Pak 2 skimmer, 4" sock temp 79-80, sg 1.026, NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 <10, ph 8.2, calc 400, mag 1300 |
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08/22/2016, 06:27 PM | #10 | |
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Russell Banggai / Yellow Wrasse / Black Ice and Davinci Clowns / Flame Angel / Royal Gramma / Blue Chromis / LPS (dominated) / Monti's / Softies / BTA's Current Tank Info: 45G Rimless, Tunze 9004, Kessil A160WE, Gyre XF130, 50lbs rock, Reef Crystals, Phosguard in reactor, Matrix, Chemipure Blue and NP XL biopellets in sump |
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08/22/2016, 06:50 PM | #11 | |
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08/22/2016, 06:55 PM | #12 | |
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08/22/2016, 08:51 PM | #13 | |
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1. Settle on which kits you use for which tests and begin to do it the same way every time. A search will lead to what most use for each test. i.e. many use the hannah checker for phosphates. This will help eliminate some of the inaccuracy. 2. Note what the numbers are for your tests and how your corals/fish are doing. This will help you learn the right numbers for your own tank, regardless of how "accurate" the test is. 3. Know when a test is not what you would expect. Repeat the test to make sure. (don't go adding a bunch of calcium for one low calcium reading) This is one of those subtle places where years of experience really helps. the only way to get that experience is to do these tests over and over. Also $50 is not that expensive for the tests we use when compared to lab grade tests and equipment. Hope this helps.
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"The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self; all your wishes and precautions; to Christ." -C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) Current Tank Info: Currently Rebuilding |
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Tags |
inaccurate test kit., red sea reef pro, reef chemistry, reef parameters, salinity 1.026 |
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