Which Test Kit?

[russellbrooke]

Which test kits would you guys and gals recommend. I've used the Hagen test kits in the past but have found the phosphate one to be quite difficult to read. I'm currently using a dip test kit, which is ok but it isn't accurate enough to calculate co2 (using ph and kh).

I specifically want accurate phosphate, ph and kh test kits (ph and kh are for working out my c02).

 

[Gnatfish]

Which test kits would you guys and gals recommend. I've used the Hagen test kits in the past but have found the phosphate one to be quite difficult to read. I'm currently using a dip test kit, which is ok but it isn't accurate enough to calculate co2 (using ph and kh).

I specifically want accurate phosphate, ph and kh test kits (ph and kh are for working out my c02).

I use API Test kits, since i was reccomended them in the past. I bought the Master Test Kit, it has:

pH (6.0 to 7.6)
High Range pH (7.4 to 8.8)
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

I also bought the GH test kit separately.

I did hear someone saying there Nitrate one was a bit dodgy and inconsistent, but mine seems fairly consistent (i just don't like what it says damn tap water!) However i prefer API to Interpet Tablet Test, I think they're easier to use and give more accurate results.

For Phosphate i use Hagen's Liquid Test..

I'd wait for more replies, to see what other people think.

EDIT: I just found this for on http/www.barrreport.com

Tom Barr does/did lots of scientific tests on plants and stuff like EI. (Look here and here for more info on EI)

Note: these ranges and test in this article used Hach or Lamotte test kits and where checked against known standard solutions. Most hobby grade cheap test kits often are inaccurate and create many problems for aquarist. While some may work, it is always a better idea to check the test kit against and known standard. This way you verify the accuracy and this is what is done in research science. Do not assume that a test kit is accurate. This causes a great deal of frustration, confusion and poor horticulture and was one of the main reasons I suggested this idea for dosing.

 

[Fwapp]

Hi Gnatfish,

What type of Nitrate test kit is the API?, is it 'compare the end result to a colour chart' or something different? I find the hagen one difficult to tell from one graduation to the next, but thats because my tap water is pants, in the Nitrate sense!, being, it apears, 50ppm+ from the tap!

 

[BigIan]

thE api phosphate test kit is easy to use as are all the others i`m trying to track down an api gh/kh test kit atm

 

[Gnatfish]

It is 'compare the end result to a colour chart' and i have to say the colour chart for nitrate the colours at the top end are quite similiar to each other.

I feel for you, my Nitrate is like 40 - 50ppm aswell..

 

[russellbrooke]

ok, ta. what do you think of perminante co2 test kits? anyone used them before?

 

[BHornsey]

ok, ta. what do you think of perminante co2 test kits? anyone used them before?

Hi, I used the Dennerle permanent CO2 test for a month or so and it seemed to work quite well. I don't bother with it now but it was handy to check and verify that everything was all OK.
I use a pH controller now so I find CO2 is always at a set value.

 

[russellbrooke]

what c02 controller are you using and how much did it cost? last time i looked into it, the ph controller was going to cost a fortune!!

 

[netcode]

ok, ta. what do you think of perminante co2 test kits? anyone used them before?

as far as I knew there isn't any co2 test kits. You have to use your pH and KH to find co2 levels.

I use a pH controller now so I find CO2 is always at a set value.

pH doesn't directly affect co2 levels.

 

[BHornsey]

russellbrooke
what c02 controller are you using and how much did it cost? last time i looked into it, the ph controller was going to cost a fortune!!

I thought the same, about £200 for most. However they seemed to be all singing and dancing!!
I found a cheap one which cost me about £75. It's a bit basic but reliable and comes complete with a probe. You just need to sort out a solenoid then. Here's a link for it: pH 201 digital controller
I use it with an Aqua Medic latching solenoid. (this cost almost as much as the controller (!!) but it doesn't get as hot as others)

netcode
as far as I knew there isn't any co2 test kits. You have to use your pH and KH to find co2 levels.

Dennerle do a CO2 long term test. It's a chemical in a bell chamber which, when submerged, reacts with CO2 and changes colour according to the levels it finds. It actually works rather well. There are probably other makes available as well as Dennerle.

netcode
pH doesn't directly affect co2 levels.

You are correct in that pH doesn't affect CO2 levels; it's actually the other way round!
I have CO2 injection and by monitoring pH levels I can shut off CO2 if pH drops too low (indicating CO2 is rising too high) and keep everything under control

 

[netcode]

Dennerle do a CO2 long term test. It's a chemical in a bell chamber which, when submerged, reacts with CO2 and changes colour according to the levels it finds. It actually works rather well. There are probably other makes available as well as Dennerle.

Sounds interesting.. by long term how long are we speaking? also how much did this run u?

I have CO2 injection and by monitoring pH levels I can shut off CO2 if pH drops too low (indicating CO2 is rising too high) and keep everything under control

That works

i assume its a digital one? those must be nice, just so you know whenever you want and having to do no work. But on the other hand they are crazy expensive.

 

[BHornsey]

Dennerle do a CO2 long term test. It's a chemical in a bell chamber which, when submerged, reacts with CO2 and changes colour according to the levels it finds. It actually works rather well. There are probably other makes available as well as Dennerle.

Sounds interesting.. by long term how long are we speaking? also how much did this run u?

I have CO2 injection and by monitoring pH levels I can shut off CO2 if pH drops too low (indicating CO2 is rising too high) and keep everything under control

That works

i assume its a digital one? those must be nice, just so you know whenever you want and having to do no work. But on the other hand they are crazy expensive.

I think the CO2 test was £14 and came with 6 ampoules which last about 4-6 weeks each. Once I got the pH controller I didn't bother.

I posted a link to the pH controller in my previous post. Follow it and take a look. It has a digital display but is set via a small potentiometer with a screwdriver. Like I say, bit basic, BUT it works.