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Re: Old Seachem Kits
B.J. Smith wrote:
>Hi again,
> I recieved a SeaTest (Aquarium Systems) Marine Aquarist's test kit
>for free when I bought a tank about a year ago. I don't know the exact date
>on it, but it looks to be about 5 yrs old. For the Chemists out there, will
>this kit work with freshwater and give accurate readings? It tests ph (of
>course that won't be accurate), ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. It uses the
>powder reagents method to do the tests. So will I get accurate reading for
>the ammonia, NO2 and NO3? If you need more info, let me know. Thanks in
>advance!!
I'm unfamiliar with the seachem kits so someone may have to correct me
on these particular beasties. Powder reagents, especially if well
sealed, tend to be much more stable than liquids. So the kits are likely
to be about as useful as when they were fresh. Unfortunately not many of
the aquarium products are very good to begin with.
When you're finished with the Seachem kits I'd recommend you buy a few
of the best quality kits you can afford. A few good tests are a better
proposition than a lot of poor ones. The rapid analysis kits made for
industrial use while more expensive are usually better value. I prefer
Merck but apparently Hach and Lamotte brands are more popular in the
states.
Once your aquarium has cycled NH4 and NO2 kits won't be very useful.
NO3,pH and Carbonate hardness,(followed by Fe and PO4 when you get
serious) are the most useful parameters.
If you want more info I recall a lot of discussion in the archives.
Best of luck,
Toado.