Calcium Test kits - Update

[Billybeau1]

I just updated a few of my calcium test kits and decided to test them all this morning using my tank water. Here is a list of what I came up with. As info.

:)

Red Sea Calcium Pro - 470 ppm
Old API kit-------------- 440 ppm
New API kit------------- 440 ppm
Sera----------------------420 ppm
Instant Ocean----------420 ppm
Old Salifert--------------435 ppm
New Salifert------------ 425 ppm
LaMotte----------------- 430 ppm
Old Seachem----------- 360 ppm
New Seachem----------360 ppm

Some observations

1) I tested an Instant Ocean kit for the first time due to Bertoni's recommendations. Good to see the kit is reliable. Easy to use. Good color end point. I may try other IO kits in the future.

2) Seachem still hasn't fixed their problem I brought up last year. The kit still reads about 70 ppm lower than other kits. The reference solution (which is now 520 mg/l, did not match the new kit. :(

3) The Red Sea result still doesn't surprise me. Not very good kits from my testing.

4) I had to do the LaMotte 4 times to average the results. The end point is very difficult to distinguish. This kit (like the Seachem) has to have the tank sample diluted with distilled or ro/di water. This to me makes consistency more difficult. I prefer the other kits that use pure sample water from the aquarium. Usually 4 to 5 ml.

4) All in all, I still prefer my Saliferts.

After all, I am still a testing fool. :jester:

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, a testing fool for sure. :D

Aside from the Red Sea and Seachem, I'm quite happy with the consistency, assuming the true value is in the 420-440 ppm range. :)

[IndyReefMan]

Have you tested the Elos kit yet?

[Billybeau1]

Yes I did, forgot to add it to the list. Elos came in at 425 ppm. :)

Thanks for reminding me.

Randy, yes, I am pleased with most of the results.

[Origami2547]

Thank you. Posts like this help us all make informed decisions on selecting test kits. Good work.

[Billybeau1]

Thank You. These are just my tests but I'd like to think with the variety of kits I tested, these numbers should be pretty close to accurate. I've been testing a long time and follow directions to a tee.

It's nice to see a number of hobby grade kits testing in the same range. This was my goal.

:)

[sjm817]

Where is the alk test kit comparison??? :D

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13399411#post13399411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
Where is the alk test kit comparison??? :D

Funny you asked :D

Been working on it but it is not quite finished. :)

[tmz]

Thankyou for the very helpful information.

[greenmonkey51]

For the money, is there any reason not to use API. Especially if you cut the resolution down.

[Billybeau1]

Well I'm kinda with you gm.

API is a good kit IMO. If you want a general result, this kit is good within 20 ppm or so either way.

This is fine for some reefers, but other want a more precise number. API can not deliver that number. But nevertheless, a good kit for general testing IMO.

[greenmonkey51]

What are the kits that give the more precise number. La Motte seems to have problems with the end point. Elos doesn't seem to have a particular good resolution and I just don't like some of the reports I've heard about Salifert recently. Are the Salifert reports over exaggerations.

[Billybeau1]

Salifert still makes a good kit. And will give you results within 5 ppm. Good color end point. As I stated, it is still my favorite.

[njdevilsfan]

thanks for doing ths
i think the IO test for the money and ease wil compete with any of the above mentioned

[Billybeau1]

You may be right. It had a good color end point with this kit. Each drop of the final reagent is 15 ppm so not quite as precise as the Salifert. But I was impressed with the ease of use. :)

[bdare]

Thanks for doing this Billy. You deserve a gold star for all your testing of salt and kits! Much appreciated.

[PARADISE1]

Thanks for the info.

You helped me (Newbie) out alot. I was planning on investing in a good test kit. Your post gives me an idea on who is more reliable.

I appreciate your effort!

[Billybeau1]

I think Debi had a gold star once. I can't find it. :lol:

Anyways, thanks guys. I do it for you. :)

[cccapt]

I picked up a Sera kit...because it was cheap. But I must be doing something totally wrong. I get around 400 with Salifert and around 600 with Sera.
Directions are printed so tiny and in so many languages you need a magnifying glass to read them.....