andy Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Overall, I'm happy with my Salifert test kits. They work pretty well and give reliable results HOWEVER my experience with the Alk test kit has been mixed. The other add-drops-until-color-change kits I've used (Salifert Ca and Mg) really show a definite color change -- they jump from their initial color to the indicator color with a single drop of reagent. The Alk test kit transitions over the course of several drops; drop by drop it'll go from green, to bluish green, to weak pink, and finally to solid pink. It's not a small error either (a variability of +/-1.0 dKH) though as long as I am consistant in where I record the change it shouldn't be that big an issue BUT it is an annoyance and particularly irritating since the other kits don't behave this way. Anyone else seen this? If so, when do you 'count' the change, at the first noticeable change in color or when the solution actually turns pink? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAVES Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Solid pink for me,,, I usually make a note where the plunger is and add another drop, if it doesnt get any MORE pink, I use the previous number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly guy Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Same thoughts as Joel here. Im also not above stirring after adding the scoop in if it doesnt want to dissolve completely through swirling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowboardKid26 Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 scoop!??? I don't have any scoop with my salifert kit... and mine doesn't go green... uh.... [language filter]!??!? now I'm worried. All i do is put 2 drops of this blue stuff in, and then add the reagent... anybody? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAVES Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Fly Guy I think is talking about his Calcium test kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DChemist Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I have the same experiance as Waves- one drop (never more than two) changes the color to pink. Do you add a buffer? Are you using Seachem salt (high in borate)? I imagine a buffer could stretch that end-point out. Just a guess though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Hmmm, are you using the high or low resolution approach? I've using the high, the low res might change more quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly guy Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Fly Guy I think is talking about his Calcium test kit. LOL...actually i was talking about several of the salifert kits....... It might tell you how long its been since ive even tested my alk though as i had forgotten it didnt as well...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J & Jr Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I was worried about the same thing and was planning to take a water sample to waves or upscales and watch them do the test to see how far off I was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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