Pros: This test kit comes from a good brand. Somewhat accurate.
Cons: .3 increments for pH and variability in adding drops. More expensive than better tests.
The Bottom Line: A decent test kit from a great brand, but use the FastTest pH test kit instead, cheaper and more accurate scale. For advanced SW keepers, get a pH probe.
I'll start off by saying that Salifert test kits are typically the test kits I would recommend for saltwater(SW) aquarium testing. But this is not one of them. It isn't that this is a bad test, but there are better and cheaper options available. I would recommend the FasTest pH test instead. The FasTest scale is in .2 increments while Salifert is .3 and the FasTesT kits come in a sealed foil packet that last in storage longer than the bottle of drops in the Salifert. Per test they are cheaper as well when you buy the refill packets.
pH background:
Aquarium pH is one of the most critical factors in care of your aquarium inhabitants. In general you will want to keep your pH in the range of 7.7-8.5 for fish only systems and 8.0-8.3 for reef tanks.
Measuring your pH is critical to the survival of your pets. Unfortunately measuring it accurately with precision is difficult to do with this test. If you spend any time in the saltwater(SW) aquarium hobby you know that monitoring pH with a pH monitoring probe is the best way to go. However, many of us cannot afford the $100-$200 an accurate pH probe can cost.
Usage:
This test kit is fairly easy to use, but it does suffer from one drawback. The drops added to perform the test come in a small bottle and it is easy to accidentally add one drop or more which throws off the result of the test. How the bottle is held also affects the size of the drops that break off.
I find it much easier to simply use the FasTest kit that you tear the foil packet and dump the entire contents into the testing vial.
Summary:
The test kit seems to be fairly accurate, but with the .3 increments it is difficult to feel comfortable about the reading you are getting from the test. Adding drops to the water is also somewhat problematic. I would skip this test and buy the FasTest pH Test Kit instead.
For reef tanks with expensive and difficult to keep inhabitants, upgrade to the pH monitor and probe and avoid all test kits. $100-$200 for a probe is a good investment when you have $1000+ in inhabitants.
Salifert pH Profi-Test The pH value in a marine tank has a major impact on the growth of corals and calcareous algae and on many biological processes....More at MarineDepot.com
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
This is a fast, easy to use accurate method of determining the pH in the marine aquarium. This test kit can perform 50 tests and includes a test vial,...More at Amazon Marketplace
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