I hate test kits

[rjs5134]

I'm so confused. I posted earlier about the difficulty with the color based test kits, but now it's worse than ever. You guys recommended Salifert, so I went out and bought all new tests. The Salifert calcium test reads very very low calcium, but the Nutrafin reads about 480. When is say very low, I mean under 100. This is the display tank, the QT with frags read 220ppm with the Salifert & about 380 with the Nutrafin. I did the Salifert tests twice. Which one would you believe? I did about 20% water change last week with IO and I find it hard to believe the levels in the Salifert test.

[vder]

I have always had good luck and reliable reading with the Salifert test kits. One option is to have a LFS test the water to compare tests results before taking any action at all.

[Reefland]

I would beleive the Salifert, however I don't think your calcium is that low. Are you sure you are following the instructions to the letter?

[rjs5134]

I was a pre-med/vet major in college and have a fair amount of laboratory schooling. The Salifert test are obviously a little more "intense" than most test kits, but I'm sure I did it correct. I added a small amount of Kent Marine Calcium, but I'll check it again tonight to confirm.

[Reefland]

Hi rjs,

I wasn't questioning your ability by no means, I just know that the calcium and alkalinity test kits from salifert are sometimes confusing to people who are new to using them. ;)

[rjs5134]

I didn't take offense Scott, I appreciate the insight.