Ugh, These Blasted Test Kits!...And Maybe A Little Kalkwasser Seesaw
Effect? – 03/18/08
Yep, admittedly I fell prey to bad test kits,
first with alkalinity and then with magnesium.
<<Very common, in my
opinion>>
Here is my issue, 1000 gallon system, my reactor used to be
able to maintain Alk and calc at appropriate levels, the test kit I was
using (Red Sea as I couldn’t get Salifert at the time)
<<Do try
Seachem’s line of test kits…good quality for value>>
for magnesium
was reading 1200 ppm. Little did I know it was below that by 200ppm per
my Elos kit,
<<I’m not familiar with this brand/manufacturer…though I
do seem to recall favorable comments from Bob re>>
and I was using
Kalk which was eroding it further.
<<Mmm, yes…I’m not absolutely
certain of the science behind it, but I believe it is something to do
with the addition of Kalkwasser increasing the precipitation nuclei of
the water column, thus promoting the disproportionate loss of
Magnesium>>
Needless to say I fell into this desperate addition of
varying buffers to maintain Alk and calcium until magnesium finally hit
1300+ (I'd like to stabilize it at 1400, I’m running Zeo Mag in my
reactor and it’s putting out 1350).
<<I think it likely the reactors
and the Kalkwasser additions are battling each other…probably best to
discontinue the latter>>
So, long story short, tested my levels last
night, Mag 1300, Alk 8, CA 400. My reactor ran all day, is well tuned in
with a pH of 6.5 and Alk output off the scale. I dosed Kalk for a while
today to raise pH as it was floating around 8.1 and I wanted to get it
higher (dripping maybe 20 drips per minute, in a 1000 gal system I
thought it was just about right). Tested Alk tonight and it was 7, CA
360 and Mag 1200!
<<Refer to my previous statement re the Kalkwasser
use>>
I do have a little detritus but not a big buildup. I don’t
understand why I can’t nail down solid levels. I increased the CA
reactor output and it’s a steady stream, but I am really wondering at
this point if I am not best off adding another CA reactor.
<<This
would be preferable to the Kalkwasser additions>>
I do have heavy SPS
but I can’t believe they are sucking that much calcium.
<<If
exhibiting heavy or even just “good” growth their demand can be
considerable>>
I am beginning to wonder if I am not in some type of
runaway supplement nightmare
<<…yes>>
(I add all according to
directions), but the sheer fact that Mag fell by 100 in a day (per my
Elos test), indicates to me stop dripping Kalk, use Seachem’s buffer for
pH if need be, and dose mg according to directions until it stabilizes.
<<Sounds like a plan>>
I don’t have any nutrient sinks that I know of
(only DSB is a DSB 30 gal trash but it has no detritus in it).
Any
help is greatly appreciated!
<<Stopping the Kalkwasser dosing and
stepping-up the Calcium reactor(s) should make a dif…oh!..as well as a
large water change to help bring all back in “balance.” Regards, EricR>>
Water testing, methods 2/2/08
Can you recommend a lab that can test my reef aquarium water?
Thanks
Dave
<Mmm, well... there are such services available... "mail order"
(see a recent pet-fish magazine re)... but, much in the way of important
measures (pH, DO, nitrogenous compounds...) changes rapidly with time,
moving of samples... I would get/use your own decent test kits... Read
here: http://wetwebmedia.com/martstkitfaqs.htm
and the linked FAQs
files above... Consider a read of Baensch's Marine Atlas V. 1... very
good coverage of the basics here. Bob Fenner>
Test Kit
Recommendations 4/7/07
Dear Wet Web,
<Hi>
What brand
name test kit would you suggest to someone if they want very consistent
readings?
<Many brands to choose from here, Aquarium Systems,
Salifert are a couple of popular ones that come to mind. Might want to
check some of the more popular forums to get an idea of what people
use.>
<Chris>
Test Kit Shopping List...
Scott,
<Scott here, Captain...>
Sorry, forgot to ask two more. It is now or
never (or at least quite a while) for getting stuff mailed to me here.
<I see!>
1) Am testing pH, Ca, NO2, NO3, phosphates, alkalinity,
specific gravity. Any other tests kits I should be using?
<I think
that you have a full set of kits to monitor the basic parameters that
you need to care for a reef. Sure, you can test for stuff like silicate,
strontium, oxygen, etc., but I think you have most of what you need.
However, I do recommend a copper test kit. If you are going to treat
sick fishes with copper, you must be able to monitor its concentration
to avoid a potentially lethal "dose". Add that one to your list!>
2) Am buffering RO water, but other than that, not using any additives
(iodine, Kalk, etc.) All my levels seems to be good, and steady so far
-dKH 8-9, Ca - 450, pH 8.3, spg 1.025.
<Sounds great...Just keep
monitoring and adjust as needed to keep things consistent>
Thanks
again. Jim
<And thank you for writing, Jim! Regards, Scott F>
Test Kit recommendations 11/1/03
Hello,
<howdy>
Well, its
about time that I buy a test kit. My LFS give free tests to all
parameters I want, but I'm just getting tired of driving over there
twice a week. Would you buy a LaMotte, Red Sea, Salifert, Seachem or
would you suggest a different manufacturer? I want the master kit that
includes all tests. Thanks in advance.
Mike
<LaMotte would be far
and away the best choice. Hach is also a top shelf brand. For a less
expensive "best pick" I'd take Seachem. Anthony>
- Additives
and Test Kits -
Thanks,
Which Calcium and Alkalinity test kits
do you recommend. <Hach, SeaTest, and Sera are all worth owning.> Are
there any other test kits I should buy? <Hmm... a good nitrate test is
always useful. Iodine/dide tests are good too but harder to find...
other than that, I think you can skip most if you stick to a regular
schedule of water changes.>
Daryl
<Cheers, J -- >
-
Additives and Test Kits, Follow-up -
Thanks,
<My pleasure.>
I'm still sooooo confused... <Oh? Please explain.> I'm thinking of
ordering a Red Sea Calcium test (which tests dissolved calcium), and a
Red Sea pH/Alkalinity test. How does that sound? <Uhh... was Red Sea on
that list of worthwhile test kits I gave you? I don't think so... I've
not used these personally but have heard less than favorable reports
from other aquarists. It's worth your time to spend a few extra dollars
to get higher quality test kits.> I was thinking of also ordering a
magnesium test kit, but can't seem to find one...is one really needed?
<Not in my opinion.> Can I get by with just the calcium and alkalinity
test kits? <I'd have nitrate, pH, calcium and alkalinity.>
Since I
will be putting in an order, which additives do you recommend? <I
wouldn't 'order' any but wait until the tests come and confirm what you
may or may not need.> I currently have Seachem reef complete, Seachem
reef calcium, Seachem reef trace, and Seachem reef carbonate. Will
these suffice, or should I order different additives?
Thank you sooo
much, I wish there was some way to make this a little simpler!
<Cheers, J -- >
Good Morning From Bernd - His LFS Has Closed!
Good morning, crew. I'm the guy from Honduras. My LFS has closed.
<I
hate when the place you deal with closes... Feel bad for the store
owner.. but worse for my fish.>
Now I have only one more store in the
whole country that carries marine stuff.
<ouch>
I was using
Instant Ocean salt mix the last 2 years. The other store has only Kent
Salt mix and Crystal Sea Marine Mix , which would You prefer?
<Personally I have never used anything but instant ocean, but I have
know people that are quite happy with their Kent Salt. But, reading
articles online I found more than a few stating that Crystal Sea Marine
Mix is one of the best. Check out this link here:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-03/rs/feature/index.htm
Seems to say that they are quite happy with the Crystal SMM.>
From
reading Your FAQ site, I know that You like the Instant Ocean, but I
can't get that any more.
<You should look online and see if you can
order Instant Ocean from online vendors and have it shipped directly to
your house.>
Also, I need new test kits. He has Seachem kits and
FasTest from Aquarium Systems. Which should I choose?
<I
recently tried the Seachem kits at a friends home and found it not only
very nice, but seems to be quite accurate. I would vote on that one.>
Thanks as always, Bernd
<Sorry to hear of your LFS closing. Hope
things work out for your and your fish. -Magnus.>
TEST CRAZY
3/19/04
Hello, I am writing from Liverpool and have recently
purchased and matured a marine reef tank, I think your site is great
although I do lose days reading the advice you give, I wonder if you can
help with one of my questions?
<Glad to help! Welcome to the hobby!>
I am a little confused with all the different tests you advise on your
site, I do carry out weekly pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and salinity
level checks, but I am unsure as to whether I need to be testing for
calcium and iodine or anything else...
<IMO, Salinity, pH, Alkalinity
and Calcium are mandatory to test for (Also: Ammonia, nitrite and
nitrate during the cycle). Other than that I recommend testing for
anything that you are adding, and if you can't or don't test for it,
don't add it!>
As I said I have a 5 month old 44 Gallon Eheim tank
and with 20KG of Live rock (cured in tank), 5 fish, 5 shrimp and some
corals and feather dusters etc..
<All sounds very good if not a bit
crowded.>
I have recently found a cleaner shrimp dead it does not
look like it had been attacked but I lost one of my two dancing shrimp
about a month ago, I still have one dancing shrimp and a fire shrimp and
they have both lost legs, I put this down to the introduction of a
pistol shrimp last month which I have now exchanged. I have two
peppermint shrimp and a new sexy shrimp but they are all healthy.
<Pistol shrimp can and will aggressively defend their territories
against other shrimp. Most crustaceans are quite sensitive to
acclimation. Are you performing a slow and careful (dripping works
well) acclimation? They are also very sensitive to salinity and won't
thrive in much less than normal sea water salinity (1.025).>
After
reading some of your FAQ's I am concerned about the test's I need to be
carrying out or the additives I need for my reef set-up and whether the
pistol shrimp was ever to blame for limb loss and whether it is me at
fault.
<Iodine additions can stimulate molting, and iodine overdose
has been implicated in crustacean death. The pistol shrimp is certainly
a possibility too.>
Thanks for the past insight and hope to hear from
you soon. English Boy.
<I hope this was helpful. In a nutshell, be
mindful of acclimation and proper salinity (always do check the salinity
coming from your retailer... it can often be scary low.) Best Regards,
Adam>
When in doubt... check the checker: Test Kit accuracy
3/29/04
Thank you for your reply. I had already bought a test
kit replacement of the same variety (Hagen), rechecked my water and was
still getting these sky high results, however I have taken your advice
and purchased a different type (Tropic-Marin) and guess what - perfect
results 8.4.
<ahhh... good to hear. As hoped/expected>
I have
contacted Hagen as both of their test kits (new and old) gave the same
inaccurate results. I have also spoken to a marine fish specialist
retailer and they told me that this manufacturer is renown for
inaccurate test kits he said that he had sent all of his stock back to
Hagen (UK). So thanks again Anthony I can now sleep soundly once more!!!
Dave Squire (England)
<always welcome. With kind regards, Anthony>
- Testing the Waters -
Hello!
I've been reading through the
thousands of chat information you have about tank setup and had a few
questions. I recently purchased a Glass Tropic Marin Hydrometer and a
Instant Ocean Plastic Hydrometer for backup or comparison. After reading
more on various web sites I was told that I would need a Refractometer
and that the glass and plastic models are inaccurate and vary too much.
Is this true? <Not entirely... the Tropic Marine hydrometer you have is
a quality instrument and should be reasonably accurate. Most all
swing-arm hydrometers are usually accurate, but not well calibrated -
that is to say, they will read consistently but they may be off by 0.001
or more.> And if so can the cheaper Portable Refractometers($50.00) be
used or is the more expensive full Ocean Tech($100.00) required?
<Refractometers all operate the same way... just the build quality of
the instrument will suffer.> Just see so many people going back and
forth on this that I wasn't sure and figured the master reef keeper
would know. <I use my refractometer to calibrate my swing-arm
hydrometer.>
Also I am debating over the test kit to use and which
tests. I've been told to stay away from the Aquarium Systems kits and go
with the Salifert ones. The Salifert tests are more but are they that
much better or worth the money? <Yes, although the Aquarium Systems
tests are decent - I'd avoid the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and Red Sea
tests.> Or do you know of another test kit? <LaMotte or Hach... but
these will cost you even more.> I heard SeaChem also to be good but less
then Salifert. I don't mind spending the money for a good product.
As
for which tests, I was thinking:
phosphate,
nitrate,
calcium,
ammonia,
nitrite,
nitrate,
pH,
Alkalinity
<At the very
least nitrate, pH, calcium, and alkalinity.>
I told that after I
cycle the tank with my live rock that I wouldn't need the Ammonia or
Nitrite tests. Does this sound correct? And do I need a low range
nitrate after cycle? <Yes and yes... if you are in the money spending
mode, then having all those tests won't hurt you, but it's true that you
won't use ammonia or nitrite very often after your tank is cycled.>
And finally I was going to use ESV KALKWASSER to replace the calcium and
baking soda for a buffer. Do you recommend any other supplements or
items I need to add to treat the water? <Sounds good to me.>
Thank
You for your great advice and web site, J
<Cheers, J -- >
Salt water test kit
Bob or whom it may concern,
Hello, let me
say what an honor it is to be speaking with you. I have read many of
your articles and respect your knowledge and the years of service you
have provided to the hobby. <Thank you>
Here is my problem. I know it
is going to be rather ambiguous but I am hoping you might have some
recommendations.
I recently bought a used 75 gallon DAS tank from an
individual. He gave me a bag full of little vials. He told me this was
the test kit for the tank. The problem is it has NO instructions. He
apparently did not know how to use them either. The bag contains 5
tests. Copper reagent (1 vial liquid), PH indicator (1 vial liquid),
nitrite reagent (2 vials liquid part A and B), ammonia reagent (2 vials
liquid part A and B), nitrate reagent (3 vials liquid part A, B, and D
one vial powder zinc dust) part C), it also came with a little water
vial and a small scoop for the powder. I know the simple answer is to
just throw it all away and go buy new. I thought of that BUT complete
test kits start at around $50 AND I have 3 complete sets of each. They
appear to be brand spanking new too! I am hoping that you with all of
your knowledge might know how to utilize these test. Maybe one drop of
each liquid and look for a particular color? I don't know. The kit was
manufactured by a company called Marine Enterprises out of Towson, MD. I
tried doing a search for them on the net and all I found was a boating
company.
I truly hope you might have some advice on how to go about
using this test kit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
<Hmm,
looking in my spiffy Buyer's Guide (the industry does have
periodicals...), Marine Enterprise does have a posted 800 line:
200-7258... give them a call and ask them to send you a set of
colorimetric standards (comparative color), and the instruction sets
that come with their kits... Explain your situation to them>
While I
have you does pom pom xenia or creeping xenia have any special needs? I
have both and the creeping appears to be dying rather quickly.
<Hmm,
brisk, discontinuous current, high dissolved oxygen, some organic
content in their water, absence of proximal stinging-celled animals... I
would start using some iodine weekly and activated carbon once a
month... to discount chemical interactions...>
Thanks in advance,
Rick Snoddy
>>
<You're welcome, Bob Fenner>
Test Kits
Can you make a recommendation for a manufacturer(s) of test kits?
<Salifert, Hach, LaMotte>
It would be for my own use, my business
use, and possibly for a recommendation to AMDA. I would like your
opinion for 2-3 manufacturers of reliable and accurate test kits. I want
to be able to test for the following:
Salinity/Specific Gravity
Temperature
pH
Alkalinity
Calcium
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Phosphate
It would be best if each recommended
manufacturer made all of these kits.
<They do>
It is something
AMDA is considering, but that I am not suppose to talk about yet. You
will probably find out about it at MACNA.
Thank You,
Steven Pro
<If for the AMDA, get the Hach kit with a colorimeter/spectrophotometer.
See their website. Bob Fenner>
Test Kits?
Robert,
What do you think is the best all purpose test kit for fresh and salt
water tanks? Hagen Aquarium Master kit?
<LaMotte, Hach, YSI... other
folks make "fisheries", "water quality" kits that include
spectrophotometric, titrametric as well as more-accurate-than-one-needs
colorimetric (like most pet-fish units) assays with a whole bunch of
testing parameters... but the Salifert and Tetra kits are likely about
the best for aquarist use. Please read over the FAQs posted on our site:
www.WetWebMedia.com re tests/testing. Bob Fenner>
Thank You Tanya
Hawkins
Saltwater Test Kit Preference?
Bob,
A
clarification: on your site, you say:
My main question is: Do you
have a recommendation for test kits?
<Salifert, Hach, LaMotte...>
I have gotten varying advice. One fish store recommended Tetra's test,
another recommended Hagen's. Aquarium Systems SeaTest and FasTest seem
to have a wide following but the store recommending Hagen said he quit
carrying the FasTest and SeaTest kits because he got a lot of complaints
about inaccuracy. In your book, CMA, you picture the SeaTest and FasTest
kits.
<These are okay... made by Hach for AS...>
If SeaTest and
Fastest are made by Hach, and you recommend Hach, are they that bad?
<Hmm, well... the reagents are made and packaged by them... but they are
not strictly speaking Hach's products... not as accurate per the type,
range of tests...>
What are prices like on the others? I know LaMotte
is very expensive, but what about Salifert and Hach? I'll look on my
own, I just want a general idea of their class of price.
<Salifert is
reasonable, about twice the "average" sort of assay/test kits as the
"major brands" pricing. Hach about three times>
Also, looking at the
Hach website, they have lots of different KINDS of test kits. Do you
recommend a kind? Color wheel, color block, dip strip,
spectrophotometers or colorimeters?
<Depends on what you're going to
do with the gear, testing... likely the color block/colorimetric
standards will do. I'd skip any/all dips... The kinds? Pick out the "pet
fish" ranges you're interested in/use. Bob Fenner>
Check out this
page for a precision chart: http://www.hach.com/Spec/SKITMETH.htm
Ben
pH, test kits
I have 2 test kits one tablet form one drop they
both give me different readings which one is more accurate and can you
recommend a good test kit for future use.
<Mmm, there are tablet and
liquid test kits (colorimetric assays) that are about the same accurate
and inaccurate... A bunch to say here... but generally both types of
kits are "accurate and precise (rendering consistent readings) enough"
for aquarium use... Do please read over the following FAQs section on
kits: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/martstkitfaqs.htm
Hach, LaMotte,
Salifert are some of the better manufacturers/brands. Bob Fenner>
Re: Yellow Tang getting brown patches, test kits,
Mr. Fenner,
Thank you for your replies. I just want to tell you how much I am
enjoying the book. Wish I had it last year.
<Ahh, I as well>
Just
to let you know, I think I found the culprit causing the staining on my
Tang.
<What was/is it?>
My ph is to low. I did 3 different tests
and they all came up low. 8.0 or lower. I am getting a Red Sea Test Kit.
It seems to be the better of the others I use. Fastest is good but I
have a hard time reading it. Saltwater Master by Aquarium
Pharmaceuticals is the other and the worst. None of the test colors are
even on their charts. This is the one I've been using and it really
taught me to have more than one test kit in the house.
<Thank you for
this personal account, input as to test kits>
I will be doing a slow
drip tonight of Kalkwasser. Hope it works and will let you know how my
Tang is doing. He was worse this morning.
Thank you again.
Lois
<Be chatting my friend in fish. Bob Fenner>
Test Kits
Hi, just needed to know what types of test kits I should use for an
established tank. Do I need a low range nitrate or hi, and do I need
ammonia, ph, calcium, phosphate, or nitrite? I plan to keep fish only
and maybe a few mushrooms or anything else that might be able to survive
under a power compact lighting system. My tank is about two weeks old,
but I can just get free tests during the nitrogen cycle at the LFS. I
was looking into the Fastest brand or perhaps the Salifert. Any advice
or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
<For a
fish-only tank, I like the Dry-Tab Master Test kit from Aquarium
Pharmaceuticals. It contains pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate tests.
They are reasonably accurate, inexpensive, easy to use, and difficult to
contaminate. -Steven Pro>
Test kits
I am interested in
buying a master test kit for my FOWLR tank. I have heard of three good
brands, Hagen, Salifert and Fastest. Which one do you prefer? I have
been reading reviews on the net rating Fastest and Salifert as the
supreme. Just need a push in the right direction. Thanks.
<I have the
Salifert pH, calcium, and alkalinity test kits and have been very happy
with their performance. -Steven Pro>
Test Kit Question
Hello Mr. Fenner,
I just wanted to say keep up the good work. This is
the best site that I have seen on saltwater, period!.
<kind thanks,
my friend>
Anyways, I was wandering if you could suggest a reliable
and easy to read saltwater kit. I have a Red Sea kit and I can hardly
tell what color test result matches the color scales. Very vague results
and very frustrating. I am tired of spending my money over and over
again to only find what I buy does not really work all that well. Your
opinion would sincerely be appreciated.
Thank You, Jim
<unfortunately... there is a lot of variability between brands and even
within the same line of colorimetric kits. Each line has some
easy/accurate kits and some more difficult ones as well. Furthermore...
the colorimetric kits are perceived differently by different eyes. Some
people are colorblind or nearly so... others are more keen. For me... I
like most of the kits in the Aquarium Systems line. Cheap, easy...
fairly accurate and easy to read (but none are perfect). The best is to
use digital meters when possible. Hach kits are good too but expensive.
Best regards, Anthony>
Pittsburgh Stores
I have a
question for those few of you that are familiar with the dealers in the
Pittsburgh area (Anthony, Steven Pro). Which would you buy stock from
given the choice
<I like them all for certain things.>
or would I
be better off to have it shipped in from FFE or something of that sort?
<FFE is a great sponsor of ours, but I always prefer to purchase
livestock that I have seen. Drygoods I would order in a heart beat, but
I am always leery of purchasing livestock sight unseen.>
Lately the
LFS closest to me seems to have been slipping in their water quality or
something as I'm always seeing corals that are not happy and fish that
don't seem so happy and their answer is always "I just did a water
change" is that an ok answer?
<I bet I can guess who this is. The
problem with one store in particular, is they have begun transshipping a
lot of their livestock. The fish and inverts are much cheaper, but in
generally rougher shape.>
I would like to add a lionfish to my set up
soon and am debating where to buy it.
<My best answer is going to be
a bit of a cop out. You really have to shop around. I do not purchase
all my livestock (both for personal tanks nor customers) from one
source. I always check out different places and select the best stock
from them.>
Thanks once again for all your help, Colleen in
Pittsburgh, PA
One other quick question, I'm currently using Masters
test kits. Is there a better brand I should get as these never did show
any nitrites or nitrates and still are showing all levels as being 0
(ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates)?
<I am not familiar with a "Masters"
brand, but I think (because of previous correspondence) you are
referring to the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Dry-Tab Master Test Kit (pH,
ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate). I really like this brand/model. They
have individually sealed, dry, dated reagents. I have also used
Seachem's and Salifert's pH, alkalinity, and calcium kits and have
gotten consistent results. -Steven Pro>
pH Test Equipment
Hello, I am having trouble finding Seatest by Aquarium Systems. Do you
mean Fastest?
<ahhh...yes.>
Do you know of an online store that
sells the test kit that you are talking about so I can order one?
<yep... http://www.reefsplendor.com/pages/testing/fastest.html
just
one of many places. And keep in mind that efficacy is somewhat in the
eyes of the beholder with colorimetric test kits since we all see color
differently. A kit that is very clear to me may not be as much so for
you. That's why digital equipment is recommended so heavily. pH pens
like the Hanna instrument you have unfortunately are low grade pieces of
equipment. A handheld meter will serve you better my friend if you
choose to invest.>
Thanks, Jeff
<best regards, Anthony>
Test Kit Query
Hi. <Hello! Ryan Bowen with you today> My name is
Peter and I was wondering if I could get info on test kits. <Sure.>
Is Salifert as good as I hear? <Accurate as far as my history with the
product.> I'm looking to buy the
following: (Iodine, Calcium,
Nitrate, Nitrite, Alka/KH, pH, Ammonia, Dissolved/Oxygen) is this ok or
m I missing something? <Depends on the livestock you intend to keep- But
the list does seem pretty thorough.> Do you know best retailer on the
net as far as prices? <What's cheap today can be costly tomorrow- I'd
look for closeout sales. Google is your best friend for pricing.>
My LFS is not much of a help. Do you know a GOOD retailer in NEW YORK
CITY
especially Staten Island or Brooklyn? <Sorry, no, I'm from the
other side of the country!>
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR " WETWEBMEDIA"
and all info on it!!!!!!!!! <No problem at all. Good luck in your hunt!
Ryan>
- Help, Crabs Dying, Follow-up -
Thanks J!
<My pleasure.>
We are going to slow down and I took several deep
breath's! LOL - good advice. <Works in most circumstances.> Thanks for
the info on the Coral Beauty, she looks great, eats great - she has the
food gone in 30 seconds or less! <Sounds good.> I will watch her if I
get worried again.
Glad to have so many experience people like
yourself to help us along - it is the LFS's that continue to "sell" us
stuff before it is ready, they don't care if you crash your stuff I
guess as they think you will just be back for more... too bad, not good
long term business plan. <No, but most businesses of this type are
worried about the here and now, the immediacy of paying the bills.>
Thanks again!
Do you have any preference for Alkalinity and Ca
testers or test kits? <I've always liked the Sera tests, the SeaTest(s)
are pretty good too.>
Don't mind paying a lot for ones that are
worth it! <Well... you can spend lots of dollars on nice kits, the ones
I mention are reasonable. If money is no object, the Hach and/or LaMotte
kits are excellent.>
Anne & Rick
<Cheers, J -- >
