adikira
03/09/2012, 01:24 PM
I got "eXact Micro 7+ photometer" (colorimeter): http://www.sensafe.com/micro7+/. Nice thing is that it has a display and gives you an actual reading instead of you having to match colors. It also has most of the test needed even for reef systems (minus magnesium which it seems they used to have but they discontinued and strontium) and the tests (strips) are relatively cheap. The tests are relatively easy and fast to do.
I compared some tests to regular SW tests (I have a read see, I believe, and some Seachem) that I compared with and seemed they matched (I don't remember all I checked, I'm sure I checked pH though). However it seems there were some differences between my readings and the ones I got from the LFS, like nitrates. They gave me 20 ppm and 40 ppm on one occasion and I had over 60. I brought that up to the LFS owner and he said that those test which are not rated for SW but for FW and pools are not accurate. I'm not sure how right he is but the fact that their pH reading varied from 7.9 to 8.2 (if I recall correctly) within 2 weeks I think, while my pH controller showed very little change makes me doubt either their tests or the person doing them.
If anyone uses that photometer and share you experience that would be greatly appreciated. Or just comments regarding using tests which were not specifically "certified" for salt water.
I compared some tests to regular SW tests (I have a read see, I believe, and some Seachem) that I compared with and seemed they matched (I don't remember all I checked, I'm sure I checked pH though). However it seems there were some differences between my readings and the ones I got from the LFS, like nitrates. They gave me 20 ppm and 40 ppm on one occasion and I had over 60. I brought that up to the LFS owner and he said that those test which are not rated for SW but for FW and pools are not accurate. I'm not sure how right he is but the fact that their pH reading varied from 7.9 to 8.2 (if I recall correctly) within 2 weeks I think, while my pH controller showed very little change makes me doubt either their tests or the person doing them.
If anyone uses that photometer and share you experience that would be greatly appreciated. Or just comments regarding using tests which were not specifically "certified" for salt water.