Would you pay this much for a phosphate test kit?

[R-3]

Would you pay this much for a phosphate test kit? I was cruising MD and saw this. Seems outrageous. Heres the link

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_test_kits_rowa_merck_phosphate.asp

 

Later Ryan

[andy]

Wow. I've heard that most phosphate test kits aren't much use because of sensitivity problems and that phosphate can bind in several different (and hard to measure) ways. Maybe this kit overcomes all that? The price is pretty steep though, I think I'll stick with my current kit... Green Hair Algae

[steveweast]

This is the same PO4 kit that I've been using for a few years now. The Merck kit is the most sensitive around...it's highest reading is equivelent to Sailfert's lowest reading. It has a sensativily down to .01. If you really want to test things for PO4 (tank, foods, salts, carbon, etc) for trace amounts of PO4....then you need a Merck test kit or the Hanna colorimeters.

[impur]

I wouldn't pay that much. I'd rather use a P04 sponges than pay that price. Of course most of our tanks aren't as nice as Steve's.

[R-3]

Man that is pretty impressive how low they go though. Thanks Steve. Later Ryan

[Nyles]

Welcome to pnwmas Steve, Like your tank BTW.

[R-3]

Steve has been around for along time. One of the nicest tanks around. Also one of the most knowledgeable guys around too. Later Ryan

[WAVES]

Id say if your going to get that, may as well pony up for the colorimeter

[impur]

Good point Joel. You don't gotta buy more regent with the colorimeter.

[steveweast]

Actually you do....you mix the water sample with a reagent....then place the test tube into the colorimeter.....which gives you a digital read out. The only difference between the Hanna colorimeter and the Merck test kit is that the colormeter gives you a digital read out of the PO4 level....and with the Merck test kit, you have to compare the result with a chart. I think that you get more tests with the Merck test kit....but, I'm not sure....I'll have to ask Travis how many tests are possible with the given amount of reagent. My Merck test kit came with five bottles of reagent....I haven't even used the first one up yet....and I've had it for at least 18 months. Both the colorimeter and the Merck test kit have the same low value sensitivity...about .01.

[reefboy]

i think there comes a point ware u over test and kits like this are for those folks but hey its your money but i wouldnt spend that salifert does just as good if your looking for dangerous levels in your tank .

[impur]

Actually you do....you mix the water sample with a reagent....then place the test tube into the colorimeter.....which gives you a digital read out. The only difference between the Hanna colorimeter and the Merck test kit is that the colormeter gives you a digital read out of the PO4 level....and with the Merck test kit' date=' you have to compare the result with a chart. I think that you get more tests with the Merck test kit....but, I'm not sure....I'll have to ask Travis how many tests are possible with the given amount of reagent. My Merck test kit came with five bottles of reagent....I haven't even used the first one up yet....and I've had it for at least 18 months. Both the colorimeter and the Merck test kit have the same low value sensitivity...about .01.[/quote']

 

There goes my theory! (laugh) Thanks for the info Steve

 

 

Miles