API vs SALIFERT results

[edandsandy]

I switched to Salifert Calcium and KH/Alk test kits, because I have (3) bottles of #1 test solution of calcium and almost out of #2 solution for calcium...
So I heard that Salifert is a better test kit.
So my parameters are:
PH in the main tank 8.12 ACIII pro probe
PH in the calcium reactor 6.5 Milwaukee SMS 122
Calcium 340 Salifert
Calcium 420 API
dKH 9.3 ALK 3.31 Salifert
dKH 10 drops or 179 API

Why are these numbers so far off?
What test is correct?
How will I know how to dose?
So I am now totally confused on what to do.....
Any one else with these same problems?
Any advise is greatly appreciated.

[HighlandReefer]

Which salt mix are you using?

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682973#post14682973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by edandsandy

dKH 10 drops or 179 API


FYI: 10 drops with API = 10 DKH.

Also, if the solution turns half-yellow color on the 9th drop, that means that it's less than 10, but more than 9. I call it 9.5, and that's close enough to 9.3 for the cost of the API kit.

I can't explain why the calcium test was so bad. What are the dates on the API and Salifert test kits? I've checked mine against salifert and it was off by 20 points. Again, not bad since there's no real difference between 420 and 440 for my purposes.

Thanks for posting.

[edandsandy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682990#post14682990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HighlandReefer
Which salt mix are you using?

instant ocean

[HighlandReefer]

If you mix a batch of Instant Ocean up to a salinity of 1.0264 using a properly calibrated refractometer, the results you should see should be approximately:

Calcium: 350
Alkalinity: 12 dKH
Magnesium: 1070

See this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[edandsandy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14683399#post14683399 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HighlandReefer
If you mix a batch of Instant Ocean up to a salinity of 1.0264 using a properly calibrated refractometer, the results you should see should be approximately:

Yes you are correct with these measure when I tested using API.
these were the parameters I was measuring.

Now that I have switched to Salifert........I guess you can say that now I have to draw a line in the sand and say "from these measurements" I will dose..........................................
What??????
I truly had no idea there was that much of a difference in test kits...
which begs to difference which test do you go to.......
In this information age of technology .........
We still need to observe our corals......


Calcium: 350
Alkalinity: 12 dKH
Magnesium: 1070

See this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[Billybeau1]

Hi Sandy. :)

I, like Jay, can believe the alk results. As far as the calcium, I think you just have not mastered the Salifert kit yet.

Reread the Salifert calcium instructions and try it again. If you have any questions, ask away. :)

I find API and Saliferts calcium results pretty close.

[edandsandy]

Billy,
I will try and master the Salifert...
I just don't know what I could be doing wrong?
my lot # on the API is 70A0508
Has this lot expired?

[Yogre]

I'm not Billy, but I do have some information about your question. :D

The "0508" in the lot # of your API test kit means it was manufactured in May of 2008. I would think it would still be good unless it was damaged somehow (high storage temp or something like that.)

I hope it's OK to link to another fishkeeping forum, this article from cichlid-forum.com has info on some API test kit shelf lives that folks might find useful. I view this as absolute maximum shelf life, I'd probably keep them for significantly less time based on a disaster I had with an old kit and my cichlid tank.

Here it is:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/test_kits_life.php

[edandsandy]

Thanks for the link.

[edandsandy]

Billy,
I tested my calcium again.
Do you stop measuring as soon as the color changes from pink-red to the first sign of blue or do you keep going??
I guess I'm not understanding clear blue????
My parameters at the first sign of blue measures on the syringe .34 or 330, I kept adding a drop at a time until the blue color was at its lightest color and at that point it measured .24 or 380....
I'M SO CONFUSED :(
where do I stop measuring

[talon4x4]

I stop adding drops as soon as the solution turns blue and stays blue. Sometimes the solution turns blue after the drop is added but after swirling it for a couple seconds goes back to red.

[edandsandy]

OK, so if I stop adding as soon as the color turns blue, my calcium is WAY low, right????

[Billybeau1]

The Salifert kit will usually turn purple just a drop or two before blue.

When you see the pink turning purple, slow down and swirl after each drop. Usually one more drop or so turns it blue and it stays blue after swirling. :) That's your end point. :)

It also helps if you do it during daylight hours using natural light.