Testing Nitrate in SPS system for accuracy

[nbd13]

How is everyone resting nitrate in there SPS tank? Seems like Salifert or similar test kits are not accurate based on lighting discrepancies.

Hanna doesn’t make a nitrate colorimeter I don’t believe? They make a nitrite one though?

Thanks

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I use Salifert and Red Sea kits.

 

[KrisReef]

I use Salifert. It gives repeatable results, but I agree the color matching is not ideal (for my eyes.) but it is good enough.

 

[greg 45]

LaMotte nitrate and alk

 

[jda]

You don't need an accurate reading on this. Having just "some" is fine. If you use Salifert and even get a tinge of color when looking through the side, then you have enough. IC testing can give you a more accurate reading, but it is not necessary.

 

[Bpb]

Agree with JDA your absolute value isn’t real important. Having some residual ensures the corals have plenty for biological function.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

The new nitrate from salifert reads much better than the last ones.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Red Sea.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Salifert here and very accurate to me. Nitrate isn't a critical value, close is good enough.

 

[kevin_e]

Nyos. It has a control sample to help with the color issues people tend to experience with these type of tests.

 

[Ultraman]

Lamotte.

 

[SeaDweller]

Salifert works well enough. Some color thru the sides is enough

 

[t5Nitro]

LaMotte nitrate and alk

Lamotte.

Which one are you both using? There is the 3110-01 model on amazon and the 3354-01 model sold on marine depot. Different prices, different ranges. Wondering if it matters or go with the cheaper one?

 

[BobbyOtto]

Any reasonable brand test will work (salifert, red sea, seachem). I think the hobby is beginning to shift away from purely analytical view points(about time most are still in the stone age). Its about balance and understanding No3 and Po4 work congruently and they reason we test them isnt to see if they are getting too high but to make sure we have enough for are corals to not starve

 

[fishface NJ]

NYOS very easy to use.

 

[brmreefer]

I'll be the oddball here. ;)

I use API for weekly testing because it is cheap, and absolute accuracy with NO3 is not a necessity for my system. As long as I see some color around the 5 ppm range I am G2G.

As a back-up I do use my Salifert NO3 test kit for lower values as needed.