Reference Validation Solutions

mirlush · 04/19/2011, 11:03 AM

Hi everyone!

A Seachem Magnesium test kit I have came with a reference validation solution with a known amount of Calcium and Magnesium. It allows to test my test kits to make sure they are telling the truth and, if not (almoust always the case), know how far off are they. I’ve tried looking for something like that validation sample at various retailers, but could not find anything. Please let me know if you test your tests so to speak. What are you using? Where do you get it? Particularly interested in Ca, Mg, Alk.

I'm not a particular fan of that Seachem test kit and do not want to buy it just because of that small bottle of reference validation.

Any input greatly appreciated.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/19/2011, 12:49 PM

The problem with the Seachem "standard" is that we do not really know what it is. But I agree that such a test can be a useful way to know that you are using the kit right and it has not gone bad.

You can buy standard seawater samples, but they are very expensive. Far more than the hobby kits themselves cost.

mirlush · 04/20/2011, 02:33 PM

Would you know where to buy one? cannot find anything like that on google.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/20/2011, 02:40 PM

Sure:

http://www.oceanscientific.com/Produ...3/Default.aspx

http://www.guildline.com/Datasheet/O...ERBROCHURE.pdf

For magnesium and calcium, the Atlantic seawater standards will be suitable, IMO.

04/19/2011, 11:03 AM	#1
mirlush Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Reference Validation Solutions Hi everyone! A Seachem Magnesium test kit I have came with a reference validation solution with a known amount of Calcium and Magnesium. It allows to test my test kits to make sure they are telling the truth and, if not (almoust always the case), know how far off are they. I’ve tried looking for something like that validation sample at various retailers, but could not find anything. Please let me know if you test your tests so to speak. What are you using? Where do you get it? Particularly interested in Ca, Mg, Alk. I'm not a particular fan of that Seachem test kit and do not want to buy it just because of that small bottle of reference validation. Any input greatly appreciated.

04/19/2011, 12:49 PM	#2
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	The problem with the Seachem "standard" is that we do not really know what it is. But I agree that such a test can be a useful way to know that you are using the kit right and it has not gone bad. You can buy standard seawater samples, but they are very expensive. Far more than the hobby kits themselves cost. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

04/20/2011, 02:40 PM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Sure: http://www.oceanscientific.com/Produ...3/Default.aspx http://www.guildline.com/Datasheet/O...ERBROCHURE.pdf For magnesium and calcium, the Atlantic seawater standards will be suitable, IMO. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

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04/20/2011, 02:33 PM	#3
mirlush Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Would you know where to buy one? cannot find anything like that on google.