testing supplies

pupnsuds211

two quick questions...

1. i have a 100 gal tank, but only have 90 lbs of sand in it.. some no-nothing at my lfs(i now know hes a fresh water guy and knows nada about salt) told me that was "more than enough" sand. i now know its def not, just havent gotten a chance to buy an extra X lbs of sand. Anyway, ive been noticing my nitrates have been a little high, nothing major though.. and havent been able to figure out how to bring them down. figured adding more sand would probably help with that. am i right in this thinking process? if so, how many extra lbs should i get? i have about a 2'' bed right now.

2. what is a good testing kit to get? im due to get new supplies, and didnt like the ones i have. at first i had just a 5in1 tester because my lfs checks water for free. but its a 20 min drive down there, and sometimes(even though i go down there 4 days a week) im not anywhere near home, so going home to pick up water to bring to the lfs was getting tiring. so... i went and bought a cheapie tester kit at petsmart, but its for both salt and fresh, so it obviously doesnt have everything i need.

Tommy Gun

In some ways, adding more sand may help you out with nitrate production, but I doubt it will be anything instant and not only can it be defeated pretty easy, it can also be dangerous. The best way to look at sand over the long term future is IMHO, not in pounds but in inches. As you point out, you have a 2 inch sand bed and for some, that may be more than enough; but I believe 3 or 4 inches might be the better range if you are after a deep sand bed that helps promote anaerobic activity.

I really prefer the liquid test kits (versus test strips) because they are not as easily spoiled and test for test, I think they are more economical. As for brand names, I haven't heard anyone complaining about one or the other yet so that might not be a big factor. I use an API master test kit right now, but also have a Hagen master test kit as well...and both are fine IME. My Hagen test kit does have both comparison scales within its booklets so that you can use them in FW and/or SW applications. Just be sure that you are buying one with the right pH test - either one that tests for the entire range, or a high range for the saltwater tank...but you may need the low range for your FW tank as well.

chadf

I've used Red Sea, API, Hagen/Nutrafin, and Seachem. I ran into trouble with my calcium because my Red Sea test was bad and also had problems with my API test for KH. I prefer Seachem's tests (they even come with a solution to test to make sure your test is accurate), but Nutrafin isn't too bad either.

Nereaga

I use Hagen/Nutrafin test kits. It just so happens that my lfs has the replacement bottles, so I dont have to buy a whole kits again. Thats the only reason why I use them.

If I were to change, I will go to Seachem brand kits. Like Chad says, they have a solution to check if the kits are working properly.... Good to know!

Brad

pupnsuds211

awesome, im gonna order one online tonight. i looked ont he seachem website, all i could find is different test kits, not one that has everything in it. am i missing something? or do i have to order each individual test? i was just looking ont heir site to figure out what to get at the lfs.... or ebay

chadf

Seachem makes these... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...04&pcatid=4404 I just order individually what I need though.