Hagen Master Test Kit

has anyone heard about this test kit?? It Tests for ammonia, calcium, nitrate, phosphate, nitrite, pH, iron, carbonate hardness, and general hardness.

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=124&PROD_ID=01078600020101

is this a good first kit?? I noticed that alkalinity isn't included. could someone recommend a good starter??

 

I just did some reading, and isn't carbonate hardness = to alkalinity?/?

 

WHAT IS CARBONATE HARDNESS
A Carbonate Hardness test is a test of the carbonate and bicarbonate extent contained in a sample of water. CARBONATE HARDNESS = ALKALINITY=kH(German) =ACID BINDING CAPACITY.

The units used to measure Carbonate Hardness depends on the name of the Test Kit. For instance, if the Test Kit is called Alkalinity, the test would be measured in milliequivalents. kH test kits usually use dH (German) and Carbonate Hardness is usually measured in ppm (parts per million).
(10//ppm = 1 meq/1 = 2.8dH (German).

http://www.hypervision.com.au/aquarium/topics/newaquarium/water/hardness.htm

 

i read that exact thing and then bookmarked the page. so i guess it does have the test for alkalinity.

what are your thoughts on this particular kit???

 

I use the Hagen calcium test and like it but if getting a master kit from them I would be hesitant as I have not heard much about them one way or the other.

 

It's all math. to get to DKH on my alk test from Aquarium Systems "fastest" I have to take the meq/L and X 2.8 to get the DKH. D = dutch or German and is the standard most follow.

Your Hagen test calls it KH and to get it changed to DKH I would imagine they had a way to do that.

 

Nautilus, I know you are partial to salifert, but I cannot find a multi kit by them. I would have to buy all tests separately and that is looking upwards of $90+shipping(e-bay). this Hagen kit will run $47 including shipping. i have seen it on line for $60 to $100.

Again I am at a crossroad, thrifty vs. most accurate tests. If there are big flaws in test kits, well then i'll opt for the most accurate, if it's negligable then I can get this kit, and i'll be able to get by. I will be making this a reef tank and i know that they need specific tolarances, so let me hear your thoughts bearing this in mind.

 

I have only used the cal test from Hagan so can't comment on it.

I think get the ones you need and forget the rest. the ammonia nitrate and nitrate tests can be had cheaply. I mainly use Cal and Alk test kits and a pH hand held meter. If something in the tank starts to look bad I will run a nitrate and phosphate test.

 

Ok, thanks for the advice.

 

Keep me posted Mister...