lonemountain Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 As the old saying goes, a man with two watches doesn't know what time it is. I've got both API and Red Sea test kits. My most recent result for Calcium was: API = 440 ppm; Red Sea = 520 ppm. I'd tend to believe the Red Sea as it appears to be a better kit and more accurate titration. Any comments or similar experiences? FYI, I get similar differences with phosphate tests using Red Sea and Salifert kits, and the Hanna digital colorimeter. No agreement amongst the three of 'em . Link to comment
East1 Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Have you tried all 3 with RO water? you can then see if it's down to the kit or your method Link to comment
sangheili Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Mix up a stock batch using a calcium calculator (like this one) and some calcium buffer. Make sure to do it in a large scale (like 5 gallon bucket) and measure out all ingredients exactly. Then test. Link to comment
Tamberav Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 As the old saying goes, a man with two watches doesn't know what time it is. I've got both API and Red Sea test kits. My most recent result for Calcium was: API = 440 ppm; Red Sea = 520 ppm. I'd tend to believe the Red Sea as it appears to be a better kit and more accurate titration. Any comments or similar experiences? FYI, I get similar differences with phosphate tests using Red Sea and Salifert kits, and the Hanna digital colorimeter. No agreement amongst the three of 'em . Normal... I have API, Red Sea and Salifert. They ALL read different. These are HOBBY GRADE kits. Not super accurate I am afraid. Doesn't matter though, use one and keep it stable. Stable is what matters, not the exact values (unless they are way out of range). Link to comment
nanosaurus Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 yup...set up stock solutions with RO water and use them to get a ballpark estimate, then just use them to monitor rate of consumption so you can dose correctly Link to comment
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