[lertanze]

i was looking at a fresh water test kit and it tests for ph, nitrites, and alkalinity. whats the differance between that and the salt water kits that do that? because i have a free test kit if i want and i would like to save money if possible.

[WorkinMan]

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Ammonia, NitrIte, NitrAte, High Range PH, and Phosphate test kits all work in both fresh and salt, but IMHO, if it doesn't say saltwater on the package, don't use it. It may change the color of the water, but if it's not specifically for salt water, or salt/fresh like API's are, it may not be accurate.

[cplklegg]

Plus, isn't pH range way lower in fresh than salt water environs? so a "good" reading on your fresh kit of around 7 would be lethally bad for marine creatures that need around 8.
I think from my chem class pH scale goes up by 10x per .1 difference?

[DEWAYNE]

I Would Not Trust The Freshwater Test Kit, Saltwater Is A Delicate Balance, So Why? Take A Chance, Hey At Least The Saltwater Test Kit Won't Die, So It Is A Solid Investment, To Say The Least.

[WorkinMan]

Originally Posted by cplklegg

Plus, isn't pH range way lower in fresh than salt water environs? so a "good" reading on your fresh kit of around 7 would be lethally bad for marine creatures that need around 8.
I think from my chem class pH scale goes up by 10x per .1 difference?

Some fresh water fish, such as African Cichlids, require a Ph of above 7. That's why API makes a High Range PH kit that works for both.

[sexart8952]

invest in a salty kit its worth it. some of the freshwater test are not designed for saltwater.

[mestupidcat]

You shouldn't use a fresh water test kit for testing salt water. The chemicals used for each are different.

Here's the test kit I use - tests both fresh and salt water. There are different bottles for fresh water and salt water and different color charts for each as well (for pH for sure). It shouldn't be over $20 at a big chain pet store.

Tetratest Laborette Test Kit (Pond Supplies > Water Quality Testing > Test Kits )