[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Test Kits
> From: Jonathan_Kirschner at Energetics_com (Jonathan Kirschner)
> Subject: Re: Test Kits
> Mike Roberts inquired about various test kits:
> I think you might be going overboard on the test kits, Mike. The only
> ones you really need are the Tetra KH and GH kit (both in one kit),
> and the following LaMotte (or Hach) kits: Iron, Nitrate (low-level),
> and pH. The rest are optional.
I agree with Jonathan except perhaps his recommendation not to buy a
phosphate test kit. I have had a phosphate surprise or two--I think for
two reasons: my tap water has had an occasional phosphate spike, and
every once in a while my tank gets nitrate-limited and I don't realize
it, and the phosphates don't get taken up by the plants and I get the
beginnings of an algae outbreak. Getting a zero reading for nitrate and
a positive reading for phosphate helped me see that I was probably
nitrate-limited. Having said that, since buying a Hach (PO-19)
phosphate kit, I have never had a positive reading, not once--so
Jonathan may be right. If you know what you're doing with the nitrates,
perhaps you don't need a phosphate kit.
I think Jonathan's conclusions summarize a lot of experience and
discussion on this list regarding test kits. Anyone agree or disagree?
Regards, Steve Dixon