Test Kits vs. Electronic Testers

[Timcat]

Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly) debates
on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:

Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic testers,
what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but I wonder if
there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.

Thoughts?

Tim

[Wayne Sallee]

Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't
throw out the baby with the bath water.

One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is
when you are constantly monitering the water, such as a ph
moniter. You can walk by the tank, and glance at the
moniter, and see the pulse of the tank. Another area where
electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity. One
reason that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the
electronic measurement of salinity, is the new scientific
standard for measuring salinity.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
> Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly) debates
> on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>
> Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic testers,
> what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but I wonder if
> there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Tim
>
>

[Timcat]

That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do like
the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to constantly
monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more accurate and
faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would compare
long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe replacements
factored in.
I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help you've
given me over the last several months as I researched equipment and asked
questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge. This will be
my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any tank at all. I kept
freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until I got out of the hobby
and went back to school, etc. and even the freshwater world has changed a
great deal since then.

With Deepest Gratitude,
Tim

"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
> Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
> with the bath water.
>
> One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
> constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by the
> tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank. Another
> area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity. One reason
> that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic measurement
> of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring salinity.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> Wayne's Pets
>
>
>
> Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>> Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>> debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>
>> Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic testers,
>> what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but I wonder
>> if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>
>> Thoughts?
>>
>> Tim

[Wayne Sallee]

I dont' care for the pen testers. When I spend money on an
electronic tester, I get the real thing. For a little bit
more money, you get the real deal.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 10:57 AM:
> That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
> reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do like
> the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to constantly
> monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more accurate and
> faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would compare
> long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe replacements
> factored in.
> I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
> sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
> comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
> Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help you've
> given me over the last several months as I researched equipment and asked
> questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge. This will be
> my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any tank at all. I kept
> freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until I got out of the hobby
> and went back to school, etc. and even the freshwater world has changed a
> great deal since then.
>
> With Deepest Gratitude,
> Tim
>
> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
>>with the bath water.
>>
>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by the
>>tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank. Another
>>area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity. One reason
>>that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic measurement
>>of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring salinity.
>>
>>Wayne Sallee
>>Wayne's Pets

>>
>>
>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>
>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>
>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic testers,
>>>what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but I wonder
>>>if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>>
>>>Thoughts?
>>>
>>>Tim
>
>
>

[Timcat]

Are you referring to monitors like the Pinpoint and similar devices?

Tim

"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
>I dont' care for the pen testers. When I spend money on an electronic
>tester, I get the real thing. For a little bit more money, you get the real
>deal.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> Wayne's Pets
>
>
>
> Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 10:57 AM:
>> That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
>> reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do
>> like the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to
>> constantly monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more
>> accurate and faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would
>> compare long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe
>> replacements factored in.
>> I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
>> sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
>> comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
>> Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help
>> you've given me over the last several months as I researched equipment
>> and asked questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge.
>> This will be my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any
>> tank at all. I kept freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until
>> I got out of the hobby and went back to school, etc. and even the
>> freshwater world has changed a great deal since then.
>>
>> With Deepest Gratitude,
>> Tim
>>
>> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
>>>with the bath water.
>>>
>>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by
>>>the tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank.
>>>Another area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity.
>>>One reason that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic
>>>measurement of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring
>>>salinity.
>>>
>>>Wayne Sallee
>>>Wayne's Pets

>>>
>>>
>>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>>
>>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>>
>>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic
>>>>testers, what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but
>>>>I wonder if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>>>
>>>>Thoughts?
>>>>
>>>>Tim
>>
>>

[Wayne Sallee]

Yes.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 4:15 PM:
> Are you referring to monitors like the Pinpoint and similar devices?
>
> Tim
>
> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>I dont' care for the pen testers. When I spend money on an electronic
>>tester, I get the real thing. For a little bit more money, you get the real
>>deal.
>>
>>Wayne Sallee
>>Wayne's Pets

>>
>>
>>Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 10:57 AM:
>>
>>>That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
>>>reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do
>>>like the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to
>>>constantly monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more
>>>accurate and faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would
>>>compare long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe
>>>replacements factored in.
>>>I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
>>>sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
>>>comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
>>>Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help
>>>you've given me over the last several months as I researched equipment
>>>and asked questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge.
>>>This will be my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any
>>>tank at all. I kept freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until
>>>I got out of the hobby and went back to school, etc. and even the
>>>freshwater world has changed a great deal since then.
>>>
>>>With Deepest Gratitude,
>>>Tim
>>>
>>>"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>>
>>>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
>>>>with the bath water.
>>>>
>>>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by
>>>>the tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank.
>>>>Another area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity.
>>>>One reason that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic
>>>>measurement of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring
>>>>salinity.
>>>>
>>>>Wayne Sallee
>>>>Wayne's Pets

>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>>>
>>>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic
>>>>>testers, what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but
>>>>>I wonder if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thoughts?
>>>>>
>>>>>Tim
>>>
>>>
>

[Timcat]

Thanks again, Wayne.

Tim

"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
> Yes.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> Wayne's Pets
>
>
>
> Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 4:15 PM:
>> Are you referring to monitors like the Pinpoint and similar devices?
>>
>> Tim
>>
>> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>I dont' care for the pen testers. When I spend money on an electronic
>>>tester, I get the real thing. For a little bit more money, you get the
>>>real deal.
>>>
>>>Wayne Sallee
>>>Wayne's Pets

>>>
>>>
>>>Timcat wrote on 11/5/2005 10:57 AM:
>>>
>>>>That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
>>>>reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do
>>>>like the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to
>>>>constantly monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more
>>>>accurate and faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost
>>>>would compare long-term after the expense of calibration solution and
>>>>probe replacements factored in.
>>>>I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
>>>>sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the
>>>>color comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
>>>>Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help
>>>>you've given me over the last several months as I researched equipment
>>>>and asked questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge.
>>>>This will be my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any
>>>>tank at all. I kept freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until
>>>>I got out of the hobby and went back to school, etc. and even the
>>>>freshwater world has changed a great deal since then.
>>>>
>>>>With Deepest Gratitude,
>>>>Tim
>>>>
>>>>"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the
>>>>>baby with the bath water.
>>>>>
>>>>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>>>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by
>>>>>the tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank.
>>>>>Another area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity.
>>>>>One reason that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic
>>>>>measurement of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring
>>>>>salinity.
>>>>>
>>>>>Wayne Sallee
>>>>>Wayne's Pets

>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic
>>>>>>testers, what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic,
>>>>>>but I wonder if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing
>>>>>>so.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thoughts?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Tim
>>>>
>>>>
>>

[Marc Levenson]

The reason I like the Pinpoint pH monitor is because you know what you
are seeing. I've yet to find a single pH test kit that was worth a
damn. The colors are never accurate, and that is quite aggravating. I
remember seeing my pH meter display 8.3 for the first time, and I
literally ran for the Salifert pH testkit to see that green color on the
card at last. I did the test, and it didn't come close. Nice, huh?

So for pH, I use a meter.
For temp, I use a digital themometer (Big TempAlert)
For salinity, a refractometer.
For all my other tests, Salifert kits.
For my Calcium Reactor, a pH controller.
For ease of tank settings, an Aqua Controller II.

And then I do look at everything on the tank daily, to make sure
lighting is on, effluent is dripping where it should, O2 is bubbling
when required, skimmer is skimming, Tunzes are occillating, etc. If you
are vigilant, you can catch stuff before it falls apart. And if you are
proactive in maintenance, you stay ahead of issues that tend to occur
with neglected tanks.

I just posted a bunch of new pictures tonight on RC. Here's the link:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6041408#post6041408

Marc


Timcat wrote:
> That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
> reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do like
> the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to constantly
> monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more accurate and
> faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would compare
> long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe replacements
> factored in.
> I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
> sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
> comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
> Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help you've
> given me over the last several months as I researched equipment and asked
> questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge. This will be
> my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any tank at all. I kept
> freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until I got out of the hobby
> and went back to school, etc. and even the freshwater world has changed a
> great deal since then.
>
> With Deepest Gratitude,
> Tim
>
> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
>>with the bath water.
>>
>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by the
>>tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank. Another
>>area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity. One reason
>>that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic measurement
>>of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring salinity.
>>
>>Wayne Sallee
>>Wayne's Pets

>>
>>
>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>
>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>
>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic testers,
>>>what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but I wonder
>>>if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>>
>>>Thoughts?
>>>
>>>Tim
>
>
>

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Timcat]

Thanks! I realize most of us can't afford the accuracy of a water test lab's
test kits, but the unreliable results of the hobbyist test kits is my
feeling as well.

Tim

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
. com...
> The reason I like the Pinpoint pH monitor is because you know what you are
> seeing. I've yet to find a single pH test kit that was worth a damn. The
> colors are never accurate, and that is quite aggravating. I remember
> seeing my pH meter display 8.3 for the first time, and I literally ran for
> the Salifert pH testkit to see that green color on the card at last. I
> did the test, and it didn't come close. Nice, huh?
>
> So for pH, I use a meter.
> For temp, I use a digital themometer (Big TempAlert)
> For salinity, a refractometer.
> For all my other tests, Salifert kits.
> For my Calcium Reactor, a pH controller.
> For ease of tank settings, an Aqua Controller II.
>
> And then I do look at everything on the tank daily, to make sure lighting
> is on, effluent is dripping where it should, O2 is bubbling when required,
> skimmer is skimming, Tunzes are occillating, etc. If you are vigilant,
> you can catch stuff before it falls apart. And if you are proactive in
> maintenance, you stay ahead of issues that tend to occur with neglected
> tanks.
>
> I just posted a bunch of new pictures tonight on RC. Here's the link:
> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6041408#post6041408
>
> Marc
>
>
> Timcat wrote:
>> That was my thinking too, Wayne. Although I don't plan to have a calcium
>> reactor, etc. where monitors and controllers become a requirement, I do
>> like the idea of electronic accuracy. Even if I don't use them to
>> constantly monitor the water, the pen type testers would seem to be more
>> accurate and faster than test kits. I just wasn't sure how the cost would
>> compare long-term after the expense of calibration solution and probe
>> replacements factored in.
>> I gave up on the cheaper test kits with the laminated color comparison
>> sheets long ago. Whatever test kits I get will be the type with the color
>> comparator encased in plastic like the SeaTest and FasTest.
>> Wayne, I want to thank you, Marc, and everyone else for all the help
>> you've given me over the last several months as I researched equipment
>> and asked questions on other things to try to gain some basic knowledge.
>> This will be my first sal****er tank after 11 years of not having any
>> tank at all. I kept freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember until
>> I got out of the hobby and went back to school, etc. and even the
>> freshwater world has changed a great deal since then.
>>
>> With Deepest Gratitude,
>> Tim
>>
>> "Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>Electronics are ususaly a better way to go, but don't throw out the baby
>>>with the bath water.
>>>
>>>One place where electronic realy plays a valuable role, is when you are
>>>constantly monitering the water, such as a ph moniter. You can walk by
>>>the tank, and glance at the moniter, and see the pulse of the tank.
>>>Another area where electonic holds real vaue is in measuring salinity.
>>>One reason that electronic holds real vaue here, is that the electronic
>>>measurement of salinity, is the new scientific standard for measuring
>>>salinity.
>>>
>>>Wayne Sallee
>>>Wayne's Pets

>>>
>>>
>>>Timcat wrote on 11/4/2005 8:31 PM:
>>>
>>>>Since I seem to be so adept at starting lively (and I hope friendly)
>>>>debates on this group with my questions, here's another one for you:
>>>>
>>>>Given a choice between test kits, such as Fastest and electronic
>>>>testers, what are the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward electronic, but
>>>>I wonder if there is much of a long-term cost advantage by doing so.
>>>>
>>>>Thoughts?
>>>>
>>>>Tim
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[RicSeyler]

I absolutely agree with you on the Ph. Never had a test kit that I
thought was accurate and a lot
of guess work... PinPoint is the only way to go for Ph. Refractometer
for Salinity and Salifert Kits
for the balance of tests.


--
Ric Seyler
Online Racing: RicSeyler
GPL Handicap 6.35

http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler
remove –SPAM- from email address
--------------------------------------
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