Most Accurate Test Kits on the market

SoGoneRG · 01/25/2008, 08:24 PM

Hey All,
I'm just getting ready to setup my tank and the current test kits I have is Hagen. How accurate are these? Just curious what is out there that I can buy that is on the market right now that's more accurate.

Criteria:

-Easy to use and read
-Not breaking the bank
-Need Calcium, Nitrate, Alky, Magnesium (I already have a PH monitor and a hydrometer, may get refractometer)
-liquid or strips (But I need it to be easy to read)

What brand would you recommend? mix or match doesn't matter.

Thanks in advance,

-Ray

DragonRage · 01/25/2008, 08:29 PM

I use the Instant Ocean test kits, and a refractometer is a MUST for me, it's very easy to read.

Brent F · 01/25/2008, 09:09 PM

I found Elos shows traces at levels where Hagen shows 0.

SoGoneRG · 01/25/2008, 09:19 PM

Brent...so which would be accurate? I kno Elos has a good rep...but so does Salifert and we all who what happened with there test kits...

I'm not supporting Hagen or any brands...But just want to know who is really accurate...

Mr James · 01/25/2008, 09:20 PM

I just ordered an API Alk kit and an Elos Magnesium kit. Poor Salifert, they had a good thing going. Somebody ought to buy them and bring it back on board again.

FranktheTankTx · 01/25/2008, 09:40 PM

What happened to Salifert?

Mr James · 01/25/2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

by FranktheTankTx
What happened to Salifert?

Look in the Chemistry Forum. Or for that matter, why don't you see them in the Sponsor forum anymore?? Alkalinity tests are giving bad readings for one.

FranktheTankTx · 01/25/2008, 09:58 PM

I just googled it up. Interesting stuff. However, I also googled up where they were replacing test kits and providing standard solution to help in calibration. I think Salifert is fixing or fixed the problem.

I wouldn't call them a bad company... my .02

SoGoneRG · 01/25/2008, 11:28 PM

It was a bad mistake...QA department definately missed this one badly...They may have fixed the problem or in the process of doing so...The Reputation and trust has been damaged.

FranktheTankTx · 01/25/2008, 11:32 PM

Oh... I don't know about that. Geez, if you can't forgive a mistake how will you ask for forgiveness? Geez! A little overboard I think.

If they fix it, and I'm certain they have/will... I wouldn't crucify them continually. They make very good test kits. One mistake does not put someone into the ground... not even Salifert.

camlov2 · 01/26/2008, 12:22 AM

I use API for all of the main tests (except mag., I don't have a test yet.) I think they are all easy to read with the exception of PH, I have just ordered a meter. Refractometer also on the way.

SoGoneRG · 01/26/2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FranktheTankTx
Oh... I don't know about that. Geez, if you can't forgive a mistake how will you ask for forgiveness? Geez! A little overboard I think.

If they fix it, and I'm certain they have/will... I wouldn't crucify them continually. They make very good test kits. One mistake does not put someone into the ground... not even Salifert.

It wasn't just the Alky test kit...The whole customer service and not responding also played a role in this manner

Mr James · 01/26/2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

by FranktheTankTx
Oh... I don't know about that. Geez, if you can't forgive a mistake how will you ask for forgiveness? Geez! A little overboard I think.

If they fix it, and I'm certain they have/will... I wouldn't crucify them continually. They make very good test kits. One mistake does not put someone into the ground... not even Salifert.

You are setting up a 36g tank. Not there yet. What about some of the people out there that have similar size tanks or even larger?? Lots of money invested obviously with the bigger tanks. Lots of money invested in the number of corals. What is the effect of super high or super low alkalinity?? Did they loose any corals??

Did RC go "overboard" for removing Salifert's forum?? I doubt it. My trust is a little less, obviously. My purchase of an Elos kit proves it.

Mental1 · 01/26/2008, 07:40 AM

I still use Salifert. I bought some Elos test kits and they went bad very quickly -- no color coming up in the solutions -- after only a few months. My LFS swears by Elos and sells no one else.

FranktheTankTx · 01/26/2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr James
B]You are setting up a 36g tank. Not there yet. What about some of the people out there that have similar size tanks or even larger?? Lots of money invested obviously with the bigger tanks. Lots of money invested in the number of corals. What is the effect of super high or super low alkalinity?? Did they loose any corals??

Did RC go "overboard" for removing Salifert's forum?? I doubt it. My trust is a little less, obviously. My purchase of an Elos kit proves it. [/B]

Don't belittle me by assuming I haven't had several tanks in my past. I just broke down my last tank in December. I am fully aware of what a good test kit is worth.

Icefire · 01/26/2008, 09:03 AM

Mental1 you need to shake them or contact elos, they will replace it for free.

theclearblue · 01/26/2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mental1
I still use Salifert. I bought some Elos test kits and they went bad very quickly -- no color coming up in the solutions -- after only a few months. My LFS swears by Elos and sells no one else.

I'd contact Jesse about this, I'm sure he'd like to take a look at them and try to solve the problem. Give them a chance to make it right...

DrBegalke · 01/26/2008, 10:02 AM

API, Elos.

shred5 · 01/26/2008, 10:14 AM

If you want the most accurate you would have to go with lab grade test kits like hach. Hach is what is used in some tests to determine how accurate hobby grade kits are... Problem is they are very expensive.

Dave

Mental1 · 01/26/2008, 11:44 AM

Okay -- I will contact them ... thanks.

CoralCaps · 01/26/2008, 11:50 AM

i've used both API and SeaChem. for some reason i've stuck with SeaChem. easier to do to me and still get accurate results (i hope).

shred5 · 01/26/2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mental1
Okay -- I will contact them ... thanks.

The thing is lab grade are the most accurate but they are not really needed for the reef hobby. We do not need to be spot on and they are expensive. If you are testing for phosphate then you do ... Lamotte is another good brand but sometime a little hard to use.

Dave

Mr James · 01/26/2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

by FranktheTankTx
Don't belittle me by assuming I haven't had several tanks in my past. I just broke down my last tank in December. I am fully aware of what a good test kit is worth.

Not belittling you Franko. I was asking you to think of others before yourself. I had read that some people that used the Alk test dosed too much and thus may have caused damage to their systems.

You appear to have a tank in the works, so it may not apply to you. Sure, I have used Salifert since day one, but I am scared to use them now for fear of issues.

01/25/2008, 08:24 PM	#1
SoGoneRG Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 84	Most Accurate Test Kits on the market Hey All, I'm just getting ready to setup my tank and the current test kits I have is Hagen. How accurate are these? Just curious what is out there that I can buy that is on the market right now that's more accurate. Criteria: -Easy to use and read -Not breaking the bank -Need Calcium, Nitrate, Alky, Magnesium (I already have a PH monitor and a hydrometer, may get refractometer) -liquid or strips (But I need it to be easy to read) What brand would you recommend? mix or match doesn't matter. Thanks in advance, -Ray

01/25/2008, 09:40 PM	#6
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	What happened to Salifert? __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/25/2008, 09:58 PM	#8
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	I just googled it up. Interesting stuff. However, I also googled up where they were replacing test kits and providing standard solution to help in calibration. I think Salifert is fixing or fixed the problem. I wouldn't call them a bad company... my .02 __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/25/2008, 11:32 PM	#10
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Oh... I don't know about that. Geez, if you can't forgive a mistake how will you ask for forgiveness? Geez! A little overboard I think. If they fix it, and I'm certain they have/will... I wouldn't crucify them continually. They make very good test kits. One mistake does not put someone into the ground... not even Salifert. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/26/2008, 12:22 AM	#11
camlov2 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 551	I use API for all of the main tests (except mag., I don't have a test yet.) I think they are all easy to read with the exception of PH, I have just ordered a meter. Refractometer also on the way. __________________ "can I pet him?" Brian Current Tank Info: none

01/25/2008, 08:29 PM	#2
DragonRage Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 209	I use the Instant Ocean test kits, and a refractometer is a MUST for me, it's very easy to read.

01/25/2008, 09:09 PM	#3
Brent F Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: . Posts: 947	I found Elos shows traces at levels where Hagen shows 0.

01/25/2008, 09:19 PM	#4
SoGoneRG Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 84	Brent...so which would be accurate? I kno Elos has a good rep...but so does Salifert and we all who what happened with there test kits... I'm not supporting Hagen or any brands...But just want to know who is really accurate...

01/25/2008, 09:20 PM	#5
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	I just ordered an API Alk kit and an Elos Magnesium kit. Poor Salifert, they had a good thing going. Somebody ought to buy them and bring it back on board again.

01/25/2008, 11:28 PM	#9
SoGoneRG Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 84	It was a bad mistake...QA department definately missed this one badly...They may have fixed the problem or in the process of doing so...The Reputation and trust has been damaged.

01/26/2008, 07:40 AM	#14
Mental1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,593	I still use Salifert. I bought some Elos test kits and they went bad very quickly -- no color coming up in the solutions -- after only a few months. My LFS swears by Elos and sells no one else. __________________ Sherri Current Tank Info: 400g - 65g DT and 180g peninsula DT both drop into basement. 5 tanks plus a QT in the basement.

01/26/2008, 09:03 AM	#16
Icefire Seasoned reefer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In Quebec, Canada Posts: 3,653	Mental1 you need to shake them or contact elos, they will replace it for free. __________________ Temp 80F, PH 8.5-8.0, Alk 6.8-7.2, Ca 430, Mg 1700, NO3 0-0.25, PO4 0.04, 34.4 PPT Lights @ 100% all others, 35% White Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 120lbs live rocks, Hydra52 2x120W, 2 MP40+ 1 MP10 @ 70%, Phosban 550 GFO+Carbon, 200W Heater, SWC Skimmer, Kalk ATO, 150 gpd RODI

01/26/2008, 10:02 AM	#18
DrBegalke Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Phoenix area, AZ Posts: 2,599	API, Elos. __________________ ~Jason Begalke Current Tank Info: Latest project: JBJ Cubey

01/26/2008, 10:14 AM	#19
shred5 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Waukesha , WI Posts: 4,998	If you want the most accurate you would have to go with lab grade test kits like hach. Hach is what is used in some tests to determine how accurate hobby grade kits are... Problem is they are very expensive. Dave

01/26/2008, 11:44 AM	#20
Mental1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,593	Okay -- I will contact them ... thanks. __________________ Sherri Current Tank Info: 400g - 65g DT and 180g peninsula DT both drop into basement. 5 tanks plus a QT in the basement.

01/26/2008, 11:50 AM	#21
CoralCaps Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 217	i've used both API and SeaChem. for some reason i've stuck with SeaChem. easier to do to me and still get accurate results (i hope). __________________ Pull his finger. I dare you.