Water tests, what do we use?

[tricksterpup]

When trying to perform the basic water tests for the tank. Do we use Salt or fresh water kits? I have always tested my salt and fresh but now I am getting into Brackish.. Which kit is the correct kit? Where is the stopping point from using freshwater and the beginning point for salt?

jim

 

[MonoSebaelover]

For normal brackish water (1.003-1.010) I would use freshwater since brackish is generally considered 20% percent saltwater and 80% freshwater. I would definetly say that 1.015 and up use saltwater. Honestly I don't know the true stopping point of fresh and starting of salt. Most peoples definition of brackish is different than the person next to them so can greatly vary.

 

[goldfish freak]

I think your best bet is to use the type of test kits that are good for fresh or salt water, that way you are not guessing which one to use. Another option is to call or e-mail the company who makes the test kits and ask them which one to use.

 

[mogurnda]

I agree with goldfishfreak. Many kits for SW are good for FW as well. NH3, NO2, NO3 and alkalinity will work for both. You'll probably need a FW pH test, because most SW kits don't go below 7.8.
Here are the kits I have used successfully for both:
Red Sea: NH3, NO2, NO3
Salifert: NO3
SeaTest: Alkalinity, PO4