StartingATank
Self-Diagnosed Coral Addict
I am looking to get an automatic tester for my system. What would be the best one? I have seen multiple options such as Mastertronic, Trident, and Hydros
Best Automatic Testers
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Dread Pirate Dave
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I don't think there is a "best" one. They all seem to have their pros and cons. Probably better to get one that you are comfortable maintaining and go from there? Personally, I've gone with Hydros. There is a learning curve, for sure, but I got time to kill.
I've been reading a bit about them but TBH I haven't read of any that I would trust to test and control dosing based on those test so I just test myself since there wouldn't be any advantage for me having just testing automated.
If you’re looking for a test everything one I have no recommendations.
I use aquawiz for alk and dosing. It’s been very accurate for me, and I do one monthly baseline test with Hannah checker. Never had it be off of what I’d expect it at.
Still makes me nervous that it dose the dosing for me on alk, but so far it’s done well.
I use aquawiz for alk and dosing. It’s been very accurate for me, and I do one monthly baseline test with Hannah checker. Never had it be off of what I’d expect it at.
Still makes me nervous that it dose the dosing for me on alk, but so far it’s done well.
initial_reefer
Active Member
I've had hydros x4 on a tank and a neptune on two different tanks. I ended up selling my hydros due to them still after almost 2 years later not releasing the Malvern ( water testing). I just cannot wait any longer.
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StartingATank
Self-Diagnosed Coral Addict
Yeah. I'm just interested in one because I don't really have much time on my hands. But I will keep on testing manuallyI don't think there is a "best" one. They all seem to have their pros and cons. Probably better to get one that you are comfortable maintaining and go from there? Personally, I've gone with Hydros. There is a learning curve, for sure, but I got time to kill.
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I have an APEX Trident to test some of my parameters, but I mostly use Salifert test kits
The reviews on the Trident NP are awful.
It might be an awesome product but everytime I buy something with 2-3 stars thinking I'll be the exception - I'm not
Waiting for the Maven and the reviews - the delays are a good thing because they're working out QC issues rather than releasing - although maybe a warning of things to come.
Wish they'd come out with one that tested only alk and nitrate/phosphate, though - I don't need mag and calc tested that often and it's probably adding significant complication to the overall system.
It might be an awesome product but everytime I buy something with 2-3 stars thinking I'll be the exception - I'm not
Waiting for the Maven and the reviews - the delays are a good thing because they're working out QC issues rather than releasing - although maybe a warning of things to come.
Wish they'd come out with one that tested only alk and nitrate/phosphate, though - I don't need mag and calc tested that often and it's probably adding significant complication to the overall system.
I think you'll save time that way lol. Many of the posts I've read on auto testers are maintenance issues and trouble shooting.
Once I settled into a routine I can test NO3, PO4, alk and calcium on 5 tanks in less than an hour using Hanna testers and salifert for calcium. I use a magnetic stirrer so I don't have to waste 2 minutes shaking the vial for each test. Using the stirrer really speeds things up. I can open up reagents and perform alk tests and even get another cup of coffee while it does its thing.
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