Dissussion on Accurate testing results

Lots of posts on test kits – so I thought I would start a thread on testing so we can all share out tips and trade secrets.

I use the Hagen master test kit as well as Salifert kits.

I have a piece of cardboard that I put down to work on, the chemicals can be corrosive – so I always start with furniture protection. Tubes can be cleaned by soaking them in white vinegar every so often – I rinse them with RO/DI water and make sure they are dry before putting away.

I use a glass cup that I fill with tank water to test. I use glass since it can be cleaned with the test tubes.

Kits comes with plungers for measuring specified amounts of water – often you get air in them. If the kit calls for 4ml of water I collect 5ml flip it and before I squirt out the water I tap it so any air approaches the plunger – then I squirt out the water stopping at the 1ml mark, thus 4ml perfectly measured.

Never use your finger to cover the top and shake, you will contaminate the results – plus you really don’t want the chemicals on your skin. Swirling always works well

Chart out your results, in a time line – if you ever have a problem (such as nuisance algae) mark it on the chart. Now you can examine your chart for any indicators that were coming your way ahead of time and use that to your benefit down the road.

So that is a quick overview to start a meaningful discussion - share your tips and tricks and advice please.....

 

Great tips and information, thank you.

I would add that if possible try to test on a schedule and at the same approximate time of day ( yes I know kinda of silly ). And always test before addition of supplements. Also test freshly made up sw to see where you stand with regard to magnesium.

When you have an issue with a tank always test first before any intervention, and make any changes one at a time and slowly.

I have tried so many test kits over the years I am really undecided on the one I like the best, anything that does not make me add 15 drops of solution just to get the alk.

Temperature of the water also plays a role in the values.

When things seem out of wack test again.

 

I agree, I test every other day(might be to much but better safe than sorry) and I test before I feed(I try to test as close to 5pm as possible) as for test kits I like Hagen and seachem

 

Crimson, I've never used salifert, I know they're from Holland or something like that...I'm sure they're alittle better than the Hagen test kits...I really like the seachem kits(although they're pretty in-depth and I don't recommend for beginners)

 

Salifert- PO4,Mg,Ca,KH

API- Ammonia,nitrite,PH

Elos- Nitrate

Sybon- refractometer for salinity. I place two drops of tank water with the included applicator. Let it sit for 20 minutes for temps. to equalize. I usually continue with other testing while waiting for this too.

Currently I'm testing for Mg,Ca,KH daily since I'm adjusting my levels. Normally I test everything once a week.

I test at approximately 8pm. Weekends of WC's I'll test prior to the change.

I collect water for testing using the same syringe all the time and extract the water directly from the DT. I just extract and expel a few times to rinse the syringe but this also gets rid of any air bubbles that may cling to the body for my final extraction where I pull the plunger to the required mark. The whole time the tip is submerged.

 

Just wanted to add

if your taking the trouble to test your DT on a weekly basis
and you do water changes

its always a good idea, to test at least one new mix of a new batch of salt you purchase

just in case, anything has gone wrong ( rare, but always a great idea if you find out about a problem, while its in a bucket and not after its in your DT)

testing for Ca, Mg and Alk, plus I like to check for Phos and nitrate, just to be on the safe side

Steve

 

I love making threads like these !

Yes, there are several tidbits I omitted to entice the conversations – one big one for me what Steve just wrote, and I personally think its hugely important:

Makeshift, I personally find Salifert to be the most accurate test’s on the market. I use probe’s and only the Salifert test kits mimic the results. Hagen is second except for calcium, the hagen consistently reads lower – yet agrees with salifert and probes on the other fronts.

 

I guess when its time for a new kits ill try one out and see whats shakin. never hurts to try new things