Two calcium tests very different

[Djbetterly]

I picked up a new elos calcium test kit tonight. My other one is a salifert, I'm replacing because its almost out, not because its old. Either way, my brand new elos kit is reading 210 and my salifert is reading 420. I did the elos test 4 times and the salifert twice, always getting the same reading.

I read the instructions on the elos kit several times just to make sure and I always received the same results. I'm very confused!

 

[Djbetterly]

This is interesting...I just found a set of instructions online that say to multiply the number of drops by 50. I'm looking at my instructions now and the instructions say to multiply by 25, but the little quickguide card says 1dropC=50ppmCa. So clearly something has been misprinted.

Frustrating...

 

[piranhapat]

Any reason you why you didn't buy another Salifert?

 

[Djbetterly]

I've slowly been switching over to Elos. The Elos test kits seem to be a bit more refined than the salifert.

 

[ecvernon]

210*2=420

Looks like just a calculation error or possibly a misprinted instructions.

 

[Djbetterly]

Its a misprinted instruction. I have to say its disappointing to spend over $30 on a test kit to find the instructions are wrong. Had I known nothing I may have started to dose too much calcium. I wrote them an email last night, I'll be curious to see what they have to say.

 

[tosiek]

I've had this with one of their calcium tests. They should respond to you fixing the problem.

I liked the first Elos calcium test kit because it was a smaller range. They went with a broader range for their new test kit. I've also had a few test kits with inconsistent readings with an alk and calcium kit giving me a varied reading by 1-2 points on the same water tested.

I'm now using the Red Sea pro test kits and couldn't be happier both with the ease of use and the quality of kits. If your looking to switch to something new I would recommend going that way over the saliferts.

 

[edd]

i had the same thing with red sea foundation. mag instruction card says 1 drop of a, instruction booklet says 5 drops of a.

 

[Djbetterly]

Apparently nothing is perfect! I do have a couple Red Sea Pro kits and I do like them. I try to be loyal to specific vendors in the area, specifically Russ @saltwatercritters and manhattan aquariums, and neither of them have picked up a full selection of red sea pro kits yet. If they pick them up I might consider switching completely.