Mastertronic Test Results and High Ca+ Reading Solved

[@AquariumWizard]

Where did you get the small/compact magnetic stirrer?

[@davbenav]

From BRS, www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart-stir-magnetic-stirrer-for-test-kits-autoaqua.html

[@AquariumWizard]

@@davbenav ty!

[@Harolddespui]

So the issue was that you should not take the cap off and poor the whole bottle in, or was it a bad batch?

[@davbenav]

That is a good question. Unfortunately there is no way for me to come up with a definitive answer because I had already altered the first two API Ca+ test kits by poring them with cap off into the Mastertronic vials then I tried to replace the reagents back into their respective bottles. By doing that I may have altered the ratios making for an inconclusive result. However I just saw the post from Eric saying thay there was a bad API Ca+ batch out there which happens to be the same batch number 70A0621 Exp 06/2024 of my first two reagents! So it may very well have been a bad reagent and incidentally an issues with mixing? The reason I suspect that it is also a mixing issue is that I have chatted woth a number of people who remixed their reagents and it fixed the problem for them.

[@Harolddespui]

@@davbenav Okay. Now that you have the Mastertronic for a while, would you buy it again? I'm thinking about getting one too.

[@davbenav]

@@Harolddespui honestly, I would as long as you don't mind tinkering and trouble shooting. I personally like tinkering. I really find it gives me peace of mind and gets me to check the progress of the tank where I may have slacked on testing my water. It really makes life easier and protect the massive investment of fish and corals.

[@Harolddespui]

@@davbenav Got my Mastertronic today. Did some tests and they were were i was expecting, except alkalinity which was way off. More than 2 points difference with Hanna and a manual Salifert test to doublecheck so something's not right with the Mastertronic KH test. Have you any idea what it could be?

[@davbenav]

@@Harolddespui Congratulations! That is exciting. A couple things to keep in mind ia that the first few tests may be a bit off untill the machine "settles." Also, what test did you use to compare to the MT? It should be the same kit ideally. Also, have you joined the official Focustronic Facebook group called "Focustronic's Owners Club," if not I would highly recommend it. I have found some really good resources there. Here is the link tk that: facebook.com/groups/168117720788273/?ref=share