Test kits...different results

[FlyinBryan]

So I've been really focusing on maintaining consistent water parameters. However..my test kit results are all over the place. My salifert Ca test kit shows I have levels around 410. However the Elos shows 430. The Ca levels in the salifert Strontium test kit show Ca at 370. Which one should I rely on?

 

[FlyinBryan]

Bump

 

[yogoshio]

Both and neither. Those test kits have a 20% (at least!!) variance in all their results. You have stable parameters, but each test is very unlikely to give you the EXACT same number. Your results are withing 10% of the expected result, I wouldn't worry too much.

Also, just a half drop of ANY of the chemicals (including tank water) can move the results quite a bit, so I wouldn't stress. As long as these results stay within a 20% range, I'd say you have a stable tank.

 

[William Lutman]

pick one and then dial in your Ca

 

[saleenpwr88]

pick one and then dial in your Ca

I agree, consistency is going to be more important than the actual number (assuming you're in the correct range).