Difference between API and Red Sea test results

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#1
I originally started with an API Reef test kit and added the API Ca, dKH kit within a day. I wanted to add Mg to the tests I did, so I added the Red Sea Ca, dKH and Mg kit. I dropped the Ca and dKH from the API kit, except when I was not doing Mg then I would use the Red Sea kit for all three. I somewhat expected there would be some difference between the numbers the two kits delivered, but not the drastic number differences I am getting.

This weekend I decided that my Ca levels were low enough that I was going to do something about them besides just the usual water change.

I measured the Ca level with the API test kit at 425 and the Red Sea at 325. DKH was 8 with the API and at 7 with the Red Sea. I averaged the two tests.
I went out and got some Kent Kalkwasser and dosed 1 tsp in 1/2 gallon of RODI over 48 hours.
New levels are now:
API: Ca 460 and 8 dKA and Red Sea: 400 and 7 dKA with a Mg of 1400

I'm currently dosing 1 tsp of soda ash in 1/2 gal of RODI over the next 48 hours.

So, the question is: Which one should I go with or just continue to average?
 

joseserrano

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#3
I would say red sea, but realistically look at your corals and how what they respond to the best. That's a big difference between kits.
 

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