#$%^ colour-change charts

[waywaywest]

I was wondering if there are "better" methods/systems of monitoring Calcium and alkalinity? The Hagen test kit I use requires the user to decide on the amount of drops it takes before the reagent causes the liquid in the tube to change from one colour to the other. I have no idea how "completely" the colour must change, does it need to change all the way so that it matches the indicator colour or just when it begins to change colour?

Given that these are two pretty important tests, I was hoping there were some better systems out there other than Hagen.

Does anyone else have these problems? I'm not even colour blind, a problem I don't even want to think about in reefing...

Thanks!

Rob

[chip721]

I've only used Salifert. It also requres you to note a color change from a reagent. But IMO it's a pretty definate change and I've learned to trust it. I think you just have to find a test kit that works for you and stick with it. The more you use one, the more proficient you become with it. There are alternatives to these reagent tests, but they're not cheap. And you can always ask your LFS to test for you. But that's not convenient at all in my book. Good luck.

[waywaywest]

Thanks! I've heard the name Salifert mentioned before, I'll have to check on whether they're available in Canada. Hagen seems to be the name brand around here. And teh colour change on the Hagen tests are so gradual that it leaves a lot to interpretation. When you're then multiplying the number of drops by 10 or 20, one or two drops plus or minus can make a significant differnce in the result.

Thanks!

[kau_cinta_ku]

i also have to agree with the salifert test kits. when they change color it is a fast change, not a slow change. one drop past your limit and poof a whole diff. color.

good luck

[waywaywest]

Thanks for the feedback, I checked out their website and it even had the instructions for the Calcium test which are a lot more intricate than the Hagen and seem a lot more precise. I'll be ordering some kits from tehm online, unfortunatley they have no dealers in Canada.

Thanks again for the help!
Rob