Tropical Fish Forums

Michael L.

I keep reading that Aquarium Pharaceutical Test Kits are inaccurate (mainly the calcium and nitrate ones), but others say they work okay. Do I really need to take back $100 worth of test kits because of two occasionally inaccurate test kits? Any input?
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TheMorayMan · Regulars Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Location: New York

Well Personally I Do Not Use API because of thier horrible Accuracy. You Bought 100 Worth of em....What did u excatly buy I mean I use Aquarium Systems and Seachem.....Aquarium systems for pH Ammonia Etc and Seachem For Calcium and Alkalinty. What is your tank...a Fish Only.....Fowlr..or reef?
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Mike
Are You in the Mood For A Moray...I Am

Michael L.

It's going to be reef. I have a reef master kit and a saltwater master kit from them. As usual, prices where I live are MASSIVELY inflated. I'm used to it.
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unissuh

I've never had any problem with my API nitrate test kit accuracy, and I've tested in tandem with my Salifert nitrate quite a bit. I get inaccurate results if I don't shake really well when it says to shake though. The thing is that API nitrate has a crap resolution, the lowest reading is 0-5ppm which can make a difference in a reef tank...the Salifert resolution is much much better at 0.2ppm. I now stick with API for freshwater and Salifert for saltwater.

Can't say anything about the calcium test kit, don't have that one.
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Fishing in the Rivers of Light

Michael L.

Well, I got my dad to bring the test kits in to exchange because we had to get a new light from there anyways. I still use API for freshwater. They are quick and easy, but I guess I won't even bother using them if people think they are inaccurate.
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sirreal63 · Advisors Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Location: Meadowlakes, TX

I once tested the same water sample from my tank 3 times in a row and got 3 different readings with Aquarm. Pharm. kits. In my Opinion they are useless with saltwater. The only one I still use is a pH test and I only use it to check my pH controller. I stick with Salifert test kits now. Erroneous readings can drive you nuts and help you crash your tank.
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Out on the road today...I saw a DeadHead sticker on a Cadillac...
Jack
110 Gallon DSA Pentagon

Michael L.

Well, the guy told my dad that he puts his reputation on those test kits, so my dad just left it at that. Kind of annoyed me, but I guess I'll just have to shake it well.
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