dknuckles
11-10-2012, 09:52 PM
This is a topic that is not touched on other than "need to test".
We all know we should test parameters frequently to help maintain our tanks health:smash:, but does everyone know the correct procedure in a titration water test? Are you aware that incorrect procedure can also give such a broad range of inaccurate readings? Sadly some are not aware and continue to make adjustments based on incorrect information and even worse continue testing for other reefers...
#1 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) !!! Buy your own test kits (high quality kits!) and learn to use them! Yes, they can be expensive and are a pain to learn how to use but noting compares to the cost of some corals and overall investment in the tank
#2 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=2) Read the directions thoroughly! They are usually rather straight forward in a sequential procedure.
#3 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=3) ****MOST IMPORTANT!!**** the miniscus! It is the 1/2 bubble @ the top of water sample in the test tube, in specific to reading ALL measurements are taken @ the BOTTOM of the bubble (aka miniscus)!You would be amazed how many self proclaimed "coral experts" did not have a clue what it was or where is it read!!!
#4 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=4) the scoop. This is always an area of debate, simply put required number of LEVEL spoonful(s) is all you need. This will allow a more consistant coloration of the titration.
#5 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=5) any dropper should hold bottle w/ tip down and discard 1st (keep inverted) then use appropriate drop count for paticular titration
#6 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=6) Make sure there is no residual titration solution in syringe (this will give a higher than 1ml volume of solution) when drawing titration solution read @ plunger corner closest to solution (not middle of the plunger)
The key to any testing is using EXACT same procedure and EXACT measurements for each test.
Happy testing everyone :)
We all know we should test parameters frequently to help maintain our tanks health:smash:, but does everyone know the correct procedure in a titration water test? Are you aware that incorrect procedure can also give such a broad range of inaccurate readings? Sadly some are not aware and continue to make adjustments based on incorrect information and even worse continue testing for other reefers...
#1 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) !!! Buy your own test kits (high quality kits!) and learn to use them! Yes, they can be expensive and are a pain to learn how to use but noting compares to the cost of some corals and overall investment in the tank
#2 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=2) Read the directions thoroughly! They are usually rather straight forward in a sequential procedure.
#3 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=3) ****MOST IMPORTANT!!**** the miniscus! It is the 1/2 bubble @ the top of water sample in the test tube, in specific to reading ALL measurements are taken @ the BOTTOM of the bubble (aka miniscus)!You would be amazed how many self proclaimed "coral experts" did not have a clue what it was or where is it read!!!
#4 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=4) the scoop. This is always an area of debate, simply put required number of LEVEL spoonful(s) is all you need. This will allow a more consistant coloration of the titration.
#5 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=5) any dropper should hold bottle w/ tip down and discard 1st (keep inverted) then use appropriate drop count for paticular titration
#6 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=6) Make sure there is no residual titration solution in syringe (this will give a higher than 1ml volume of solution) when drawing titration solution read @ plunger corner closest to solution (not middle of the plunger)
The key to any testing is using EXACT same procedure and EXACT measurements for each test.
Happy testing everyone :)