Accuracy of Red Sea test kit?

[frags75]

I have a Red Sea and an API calcium test kit and always get different readings. There is about a 60 ppm difference between the two. The Red Sea reads 380 and the API reads 420. Was wondering which is the more accurate kit. If its Red sea what would be the best way to boost the level of calcium. It seems as though my reactor is not raising the level but just maintaining it. I would really like to get the level up to 420-440 and let the reactor maintain from there. Any ideas or suggestions? Please.

[landlord]

I cannot speak to the accuracy of either kit being correct or incorrect. I would say that Red Sea is as good as any of the other budget test kits.

You are correct regarding your calcium reactor. It should be used to maintain calcium. I can be used to raise it but I would say that can be risky. Use additives (calcium, kalkwasser, 2-part) to raise up your calcium to the level you desire and then let the reactor simply maintain those levels.

As your demands for calcium increase so will the amount of additive.

FWIW --landlord

[frags75]

Thanks. I kind of figured that, so I will dose some calcium and test later to see where I am at. Thinking about trying a Seachem kit and compare all three. I wonder if you could average the results out. I think I will start saving for a monitor.