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- Sep 25, 2014
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In your research/testing what is the average number of tests a subject had to go through to reach the NSW "Baseline" ? I ask because I am confused as to how the tests can effectively help us achieve parity with natural seawater in a reasonable amount of time. I do not doubt the accuracy of the tests but am concerned with the time it takes to receive results. If we should allow two weeks for the shipping/testing cycle to be completed how can the test results be relevant to the current state of our water parameters? To me it would seem that the tank husbandry/current dosing regimen would have to remain incredibly consistent for the system to work. It's what we all strive for but, in all honesty, does that consistently happen across the reef-keeping population?
I agree with your assumption that we all want the best possible results within a reasonable amount of effort/cost, so if there is a two week lag what is the average time/# of tests it takes to hit the baseline and what number of tests, say annually, is needed for the maintenance phase?
Please take this criticism positively as I would love to utilize the service...just seeking to understand the big picture. I abhor the titration testing that is currently available and would love for someone to take this part of the hobby off my hands If there is other information I missed out on in another thread/site please let me know. Super excited about this!
These are great questions/points, and we appreciate the feedback!
Many Triton users will tell you that it takes several (at least 3) tests to get you "in the ballpark", if you will. The first test tells you where you're at before you affect changes. A second test would be conducted after you started "tweaking" parameters, to see the affect of the corrections, and a third test to see what your consumption rate starts to look like. Future tests would really help establish the baseline. In a perfect world, we'd be testing weekly or more frequently to really lock stuff in, but that is not really financially or logistically feasible. Monthly would be a terrific test interval. The concern about the sample result "lag time" is understandable. Remember, even though we are trying to get our aquarium water to fall into a range close to NSW, the point of Triton is not to chase numbers to the point of being obsessive. It's more about consistency and finding a range with minimum variables. Sure, conditions in a given aquarium could change in two weeks. (as an aside- the water samples will not degrade during the collection-transit-testing interval to any degree that would significantly alter test results). The point of the "method" is to develop a routine. This includes, among other things, a regular daily dosing program to achieve NSW ranges, utilizing the "Base Elementz, and then supplement what is being consumed by doing only what testing dictates is deficient within the test period. I have no doubt that there are many long-term Triton users in Europe that would give you more real-world-experience-based input on this very relevant topic.
Thanks so much for your questions and input.
-Scott