Best Magnesium Test

[BostonReefer300]

I’d appreciate suggestions from anyone who has done head to head comparisons or checked against a standard solution. I’ve been using the Red Sea kit, but am not sure it’s giving me accurate results. Thx!

 

[PatW]

I tried the Red Sea test. It drove me nuts. I was never able to get consistent results. I use the Salifert test. It works pretty well and the methodology is easy. Bulk Reef Supply really liked the Aquaforest test. I tried it and I prefer the Salifert.

I have an SPS dominant tank. I dose ALK and Ca. I never had to dose Mg because water changes keeps it stable. If I recall right, Randy Holmes-Farley said that Mg consumption was 5% of Ca consumption. I may not remember that one correctly.

 

[BostonReefer300]

Thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one who's having trouble with the Red Sea test. I'll try the Salifert test. Interesting point about Ca vs Mg consumption. I'll look into that further. Thanks again

 

[theMeat]

I use Red Sea because of it’s accuracy reputation in general. Agree Red Sea mag test is a pain but always thought it was accurate. As confirmed with dosing, then retesting, and api test

 

[FishyFishFish]

I wouldn’t recommend Aquaforest. It might be ok if it had better dropper bottles but mine are very inconsistent.

I’m going to try something else once mine has run out.

 

[LgTas]

Salifert for me. Easy and appears accurate for what I need

 

[Nano sapiens]

I wouldn’t recommend Aquaforest. It might be ok if it had better dropper bottles but mine are very inconsistent.

I’m going to try something else once mine has run out.

I've been using the AF for a few months now and I've found it to be one of the better ones as BRS suggests in their magnesium testing video. However, I agree that the bottles could use some improvement.

Tips:

1. Don't shake the bottles to mix the contents before dispensing. A very gentle swirling is a much better technique (shaking creates air bubbles that result in inconsistent drops).

2. To get the best drop consistency, discard the first drop or two onto something disposable like a paper towel before adding any drops into the test vial.

 

[Duffer]

Love salifert

 

[hhaase]

Red Sea has been consistent for me, and I guess after a while I’ve just become used to the complexity. I’ll probably try the salifert when this one runs out but not in any rush to replace the Red Sea kit.

 

[LardLad]

Definitely Aquaforest is best for Magnesium and Calcium.

Nyos for Nitrate and Phosphate.

Hanna for DKH