How do you test?

Just curious.... how does everybody do there tests of water parameters? I have a Red Sea test kit that is adequate, but I can never seem to get the exact numbers that I see people post all over 3reef. I can only come up with approximate numbers... How do I produce exact numbers for PH, alkalinity, nitrate, calcium, etc...? I assume I must have a poor testing kit?!@#@#!!!:-/:

 

I use a PH and Calcium probe (pinpoint) and I prefer the Salifert test kits for accuracy.

 

I use Salifert tests for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity. They give a definitive reading without having to show a test vial to every family member for concensus on what color one is seeing.

I'm slightly colorblind, and have given up on the API pH tests, although I use API for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. When they're gone, I'll use Salifert for everything, I think.

FWIW, when you're cycle is finished, non-titration type kits like API are generally considered to be sufficient to most, as they'll at least tell you definitively if you have any amount of ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. It's hard for me to discern a definite number for any of these 3, but for most; simply confirming their presence is good enough.

 

ReefSparky – when I use to use API or the like I would call my kids in and let them tell me the results…I am not colorblind, but I suppose at the ripe old age of 40 I consider myself an old man and the eye’s just can’t decipher what they use to.

Salifert is the way to go – but I love my probes too

 

...i use the API for Ammonia, NO2 and 3. Its kind of a pain to read the PH with the API but its seems fine for the other 3. If there was any of the above in the water the color is very different than a zero reading so i think its sufficient for AM, NO2 and 3....

I had the same question about the exact numbers i see... now my question is answered. Thanks!

I also have a probe for SG and Ph... i just need to get it set up still

 

How funny- - - - you called it... we spend 15 minutes debating on the true color of the vile as we wave it at different distances from a white sheet of paper!$#@!%@!@!! Looks like Salifert may be my sollution!? Thanks guys. When you say 'probes', what exactly are you referring too?... and what is 'API'?