calcium test kits??

[Reefdude]

Need to get some answers/opinions for CA test kits. I tried using the Aquarium Systems test kit (box with pink little polyps all over) and the Hagen test kits and got some crazy results. THe Aquarium Systems gave me a reading of 525 mg/L and the Hagen wouldnt even give me a reading. No matter how much of the 3rd liquid I would drop in the color would not change from pink to blue so im assuming that my calcium is over 1000 or something. Anyone have any suggestions or experience with these test kits. Im just dosing kalk or kents liquid calcium. :withstupid2:

[matt]

Salifert seems to be pretty accurate, and a little easier to use.

[Troy Valentine]

Hey Ben,

I also use the Hagen Calcium test kit, and had a similar problem when I first started using the test. I found that you need to shake the pipet vigorously each time you add a drop. What I do is add 5 drops at a time until I get to 15 or 300ppm. Then I add the drops 1 at a time and shake the pipet well before adding another drop. I think you will find this will work for you.

[TexasState]

Don't buy a liquid based test kits. Those have a short shelf life. I think around six month. So, if you bought it from a store, it might be expired b4 you even bother to use it.

[Tim Marvin]

I use the salifert.