Hobbyist vs. Triton testing

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

There's a couple threads I've been suggested to post here on R2R. Hope its of some interest.

It's been a while since I've done some comparison testing. Last time was when I was trying to see if API test kits were good enough for me which I determined they are (except pH and PO4) . I tested against many other brands.

For parameters I've always just tried to be in a range and a specific number hasn't interested me so the more expensive kits that do provide higher resolution and better limits of detection hasn't particularly been important or worth it to me. I generally go by these guidelines of ranges listed in this great article by Randy Holmes-Farley:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/o...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/

My parameters generally are in those ranges, except PO4 I seem to do better in the .04-.08 range, when I do get into testing binges. If I see something looking off then I will test but generally I'll go several months (or years has happened) with out testing.

Coming off a tank mishap last year and trying out several new things like a Turbo ATS, different skimmers, and switching to an Apex controller I've been having fun doing some semi regular testing again every few weeks. Parameters have been stable and in ranges I want.

So, to get to the point here I'm coming to the end of my testing binge and will probably start cutting back quite a bit and figured now's a good time to compare my testing abilities and hobby test kits against Triton.

Here's a post from last night I did in my long running tank journal and I'll update here again in this thread when I get my triton results back.

The notes above are for another round of tests I did tonight. Probably one of the last times I'll do this for a while. I'm getting out of that experimental phase I think. I'm feeling pretty good about everything I've got going and the stability is there.

Since it will probably be one of the last time I'm going to do a full round of testing in a while I figured I'll take the opportunity to compare my hobby tests and Triton ICP testing.

So, this is sealed and ready to go

To see what comes back this is what I was able to test tonight.

Temp: 78.1 (Apex probe)

pH: 8.22 at display 8.29 at sump (Apex)

ORP: 420 (Apex)

Salinity:
34ppt (Veegee refractometer)
34.6 (Apex)
35 (Milwaukee digital)

Calcium: 420 (API)

Alk: 11dkh (API)

Mg: 1440 (Salifert)

Nitrate: 0 (API)

Phosphorus: 16ppb (Hanna ULR Checker)

Phosphates: .05ppt (converted)

What I would consider undetectable. I know its not 0. It will be interesting what Triton comes back with.

In range of what I want (.04-.08) and stable now maintaining under .09

Calcium is hanging above my 400+ target I'm looking for and where it normally is. 420-440

Mg is still elevated and Alk are both the same values as last testing. I'll reduce the amount of Mg added each new salt mix batch I make. I'll keep reducing the Alk on the new saltmix as well with the muriatic acid till I hit 8-10. OR I just need to keep buying more stony corals. ;)

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

I got my Triton test results in. Faster then I thought I would. Also Unique coral is pretty awesome. They refunded a shipping charge they charged me for because I failed to read the Note: that if only ordering the triton test to choose local pickup/Triton only shipping option for free shipping.

Here's the results.

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

To compare

pH: 8.22 at display 8.29 at sump (Apex)

Salinity:
34ppt (Veegee refractometer)
34.6 (Apex)
35 (Milwaukee digital)

Calcium: 420 (API) 448 (Triton) week before I tested 440 calcium via API

Alk: 11dkh (API)

Mg: 1440 (Salifert) 1483 (Triton)

Phosphorus: 16ppb (Hanna ULR Checker) 7.31ug/l (Triton) translates to ppb

Phosphates: .05ppt (converted) .022 (Triton converted) Interesting enough I tested .03ppt via Hanna a few days later.

Now I know there's a way to calculate the salinity with the info from Triton so I will look into that and compare to what I tested my salnity at. Also, I think there's a way to maybe figure out the Alk based on the parameters I listed and what Triton tested?

If anyone can do that quick before I get back to it that would be very much welcomed and early thanks.

But over all it pretty much affirms my thoughts that what I've been doing are good enough for me. lol

Also, it looks like pretty much everything is inline except high Lithium which seems maybe due to the saltmix but not detrimental comparing with other peoples also high lithium levels tested.

Looks like I could use some kind of Iodine and Molybdenum.

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

Phosphates tracks pretty close over time as well. Here's been my most recent Hanna ULR test values.

certain_code · Nov 11, 2015

I think that is one of the "cleanest" Triton results I have seen on R2R. So well done.

What I would be interested to see is if the more specific tests (Salifert, Red Sea, Elos) would come closer to the Triton results. I unfortunately have never saw a huge need to use API in the hobby when keeping higher end coral since the tests are such a ballpark range it seems.

How long did it take before Triton returned your results?

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

cgaubuchon said:
I think that is one of the "cleanest" Triton results I have seen on R2R. So well done.

What I would be interested to see is if the more specific tests (Salifert, Red Sea, Elos) would come closer to the Triton results. I unfortunately have never saw a huge need to use API in the hobby when keeping higher end coral since the tests are such a ballpark range it seems.

How long did it take before Triton returned your results?

Thanks. I've never gotten into a tank full of colorful sticks. They look amazing but just haven't gotten into it myself. I like a mix of everything. Though recently just got into anemones with a couple bubble tips. So, for me just trying to stay in a general range API has been good enough. Though in my Nitrate shootout I just posted also I may end up going with Salifert for that based on ease of use. But I certainly see the want or desire for higher resolutions. API isn't for that.

Triton turned it around really quick. I was surprised. I was expecting to wait at least 2 weeks. I sent the vials in last Wednesday thee 4th and got the results in yesterday.

I'll be doing an everything I have vs. Triton vs. AWT soon.
Nitrate Test Kit Shoot out: NYOS Salifert RedSea API

JimWelsh · Nov 11, 2015

jason2459 said:
Salinity:
34ppt (Veegee refractometer)
34.6 (Apex)
35 (Milwaukee digital)

. . .

Now I know there's a way to calculate the salinity with the info from Triton so I will look into that and compare to what I tested my salnity at.

Your salinity calculates out to be 33.95, based on Triton results and assuming a temperature of 20C. You can find my spreadsheet for doing this calculation here.

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

That's perfect thanks! Temp at that time was 78.1. So it reaffirms my love for my Veegee refractometer. :D

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 11, 2015

Thanks for posting your comparisons. :)

jason2459 · Nov 11, 2015

Thanks Randy. Next up is me vs. AWT vs. Triton. I'm curious what I'll get back from AWT. I'm also tempted to get the elos pro PO4 kit as I've heard good things about it and add it to the mix. May even break out P into its own shootout.

My LFS had an anniversary bash recently and was mentioning that aquamedic donated a free mail in test for a raffle prize.

The LFS was talking like it was all new and something aquamedic just started. But like you posted in another thread its the same AWT as before now under aquamedic. I've never heard anything great about them.