Which test kit to use?
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~reefchik~
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Which test kit to use?
I never thought to ask this before: which do you use on BW, fresh or salt? I have several tests that can go both ways but a couple that are for one or the other only.
~Steph~
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PolishPuff
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Re: Which test kit to use?
For BW I use Freshwater liquid test kit
"Lost time is never found again" Benjamin Franklin
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purplecandle
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Re: Which test kit to use?
I use a salt water kit for my brackish tanks..
However, just wanted to say...
I have used my SW kit to test fresh water, then took water from the same tank into get tested by a pet store and the results were they same as my SW kit said.
Is there any real difference between the kits?
However, just wanted to say...
I have used my SW kit to test fresh water, then took water from the same tank into get tested by a pet store and the results were they same as my SW kit said.
Is there any real difference between the kits?
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Troender
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Re: Which test kit to use?
I asked the same question when I started with BW tanks. And I can't remember what answer I got. 
But the brand of water test I use, can be used for both FW and SW, so I can imagine the result being something in between.
But the brand of water test I use, can be used for both FW and SW, so I can imagine the result being something in between. In the test I use, the test is the same, but the color chart is a little different.purplecandle wrote:Is there any real difference between the kits?
Inger Anne
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J-P
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Re: Which test kit to use?
dang me too ... PP said all the tests are the same except for 2 and I forgot which 2...
Just buy one of each
Just buy one of each
if you follow me, you avoid stepping in the crap that I just did...
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JoseDepacos
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Re: Which test kit to use?
If I remember correctly the previous answer to this question was FW kit for BW. API of course.
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JRC3
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Re: Which test kit to use?
Every thing I've read says to use a FW kit. I've noticed that if you look at the boxes for the individual ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate kits it says "freshwater/saltwater" right on the front.
I also notice that the ammonia on the API FW kit has a slight greenish tint to it when used for BW.
I also notice that the ammonia on the API FW kit has a slight greenish tint to it when used for BW.
There are many knowledgeable fish keepers on this forum willing to help and give great advice...The advice is free; What you choose to do with it gives it value.
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~reefchik~
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Cherry shrimp/snails 10g planted
2 Golden Retrievers
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Re: Which test kit to use?
Well thanks for clearing up the confusion 
A couple of my tests have separate color charts. Seems logical that lower end BW would test more accurately with a FW kit, but then again sometimes my own particular brand of logic fails me
A couple of my tests have separate color charts. Seems logical that lower end BW would test more accurately with a FW kit, but then again sometimes my own particular brand of logic fails me
~Steph~
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RTR
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Re: Which test kit to use?
The kits may or may not be the same, but the reading scales are not the same. There is an effect called "water of hydration" which influences colorimetric tests in solutions with multiple dissolved salts. It can distort the readings as the higher ionic strength somewhat masks certain indicators colors.
It may be Greek, but it is real. Some tests are not affected, others are not.
At very low specific gravities - such as 1.003 for F-8s - the FW kits should be okay. At and above 1.005-8, I'd follow the kit maker's guidelines or suggestions. At low ionic strengths, there is not much detectable effect. Anywhere from 1.005 and up, it depends on the particular kit.
HTH
It may be Greek, but it is real. Some tests are not affected, others are not.
At very low specific gravities - such as 1.003 for F-8s - the FW kits should be okay. At and above 1.005-8, I'd follow the kit maker's guidelines or suggestions. At low ionic strengths, there is not much detectable effect. Anywhere from 1.005 and up, it depends on the particular kit.
HTH
Where's the fish? - Neptune
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~reefchik~
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 403
- Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:17 am
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 1 Marbled Congo 30g X-high FW (fake) mangrove biotope
2 modestus in 20gplanted FW tank
1 male irrubesco 20g community planted FW tank
2 F8s 20g planted brackish
Cherry shrimp/snails 10g planted
2 Golden Retrievers
1 African Grey
1 Crazy cat - Location (country): Ohio, USA
- Location: Ohio, US
- Contact:
Re: Which test kit to use?
Thanks, RTR. I appreciate the explanation and it makes sense. I'm keeping that tank at 1.004, so I'll stick with the FW test kits or color charts.
~Steph~