Test Kit Reliability

Hi Guys,

I have been cyclying my new saltwater tank for a hair over a month now and have been monitoring it almost daily. I started using the Instant Ocean ocean master test kit and had an ammonia spike about two weeks ago. Since that time, I haven't seen anything else. I should also say that my Ph has consistently been around 8.0. I recently purchased an API test kit and prefer it since it has 4 tubes and I can test everything at once. I tested my water using both test kits yesterady and got some different results. With the Instand ocean kit, I had a Ph of 8.0 with no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. With the API kit, I had a Ph of 8.2, no ammonia, no notrites, and about 15ppm nitrates. The tank I have is 55 gallons with a 20 gallon sump. I have around 50 pounds of live rock and about 60 pounds of sand. I am in no hurry to stock my tank but would like to know what I can rely upon and wen I should start doing some maintenance. Thanks in advance for any help or guidance.

Ivy

 

I think the best kits are Salifert, hands down. I did use the Hagen master kit at one time, it tests identicle to Salifert - plus it has all the test tubs and looks like its right out of a mad scientists labratory. Of your kits I have used the API and I doubt its inaccurate, I am uncertain of Ocean Master Kit. If you like the test tubes look at the Hagen master kit - my kids like watching that in use. But honestly, I have always found nothing to surpass the quality and accuracy of Salifert kits.

 

confucius

confucius say,s a man with one watch knows what time it is----a man with two watches is never shure!!!!

 

I use the API kit, although I also have the Seachem master kit. I like the API better because I find it easier to read (better color contrasts). But both kits produce similar results. In other words, I think your API kit is probably pretty accurate. But if you are uncertain, use the test solutions that it comes with. If it reads them correctly, the tests are accurate!

Jeremy

 

That is hilarious.


I would trust the API over IO personally. But I would recommend taking a water sample to LFS and have them test it. Compare your results to theirs. Then you'll know.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I totally agree with you that 2 kits just creates confusion. I think I will take a sample to the LFS sometime and see what they use and say. If the test comes back with the API results, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and 15 ppm nitrates, at what point do i consider my tank cycled. Should I be concerned that I didn't see a rise in nitrites? When should I start doing a water change? Thanks for your patience and your advice!!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

If those measurements are correct, your tank is likely cycled. This doesn't mean that you can indiscriminantly add livestock to it, though. Each fish you add will increase the bioload, and it will take the bacteria in the tank time to catch up. So at this point you may want to consider adding one small, hardy fish, such as a damsel. It will give you something to look at, and it will help your tank cycle to the next level.

I would not be too concerned about not having seen a spike in nitrites - I did not see one in my tank either. As far as the water change, you will likely see a bloom of brown, diatom algae in your tank soon. I would do my first water change at that point (or if you see your nitrates spike above 20). Just my opinion.

Jeremy

 

Thanks Jeremy,

I plan on taking a sample to the LFS and probably waiting a few more weeks until I add anything. Thanks!!!!

Ivy

 

Smart move