[quote author=Gomer link=topic=3137.msg34757#msg34757 date=1203729185]What are the recommended alk/Ca test kits these days? Reasonable accuracy is important to me, so that probably means titration type tests.[/quote]
Salifert for alk, Ca, and Mg titrations. But the availability is a problem right now.
Seachem is good for Ca and Mg, though most people find them a bit more difficult to use than Salifert. Once you do a few, it's not hard at all.
Elos and API are ok for rough results. Though I'm finding that 3 API alk kits I just bought all read high.
In theory, Seachem alk should be good because it distinguishes carbonate alk from borate alk. But in practice, it's hard to read precisely even if you are good at titrations.
So the big names that come up are Salifert, SeaChem, Elos, and API.
Currently I'm using SeaChem for Mg because I can't get Salifert.
I've always used SeaChem Ca.
I like Salifert alk, but it's hard to get, so now I'm using API with my own procedure that gives precise and accurate results.
http://www.bareefers.org/discussion/index.php?topic=3011.0
Whatever alk test you use, check it against a reference standard. Same like you calibrate your refractometer against a salinity standard.
Salifert for alk, Ca, and Mg titrations. But the availability is a problem right now.
Seachem is good for Ca and Mg, though most people find them a bit more difficult to use than Salifert. Once you do a few, it's not hard at all.
Elos and API are ok for rough results. Though I'm finding that 3 API alk kits I just bought all read high.
In theory, Seachem alk should be good because it distinguishes carbonate alk from borate alk. But in practice, it's hard to read precisely even if you are good at titrations.
So the big names that come up are Salifert, SeaChem, Elos, and API.
Currently I'm using SeaChem for Mg because I can't get Salifert.
I've always used SeaChem Ca.
I like Salifert alk, but it's hard to get, so now I'm using API with my own procedure that gives precise and accurate results.
http://www.bareefers.org/discussion/index.php?topic=3011.0
Whatever alk test you use, check it against a reference standard. Same like you calibrate your refractometer against a salinity standard.