test kit review

[Eaval]

Ok first of the disclaimer and clarification.

Yes I have been given a few test kits to try free of charge. Neither Colombo or TSB have control of what I choose to write. The reviews are purely my own and represent only my personal views.

So quite a few people here already know that I am technically colourblind. Specifically reds and greens. So who better to give a test kit review that uses colour changes to someone colourblind ...

Anyway, first up general appearances








Packaging is good. Cardboard packaging has a plasticy finish to it which I am sure helps to keep the moisture out and helps prevent the cardboard falling to bits.

Images on the back are clear and easy to follow.

 

[Eaval]

Alk test

So inside the box:



Paper instructions
Reagents
Syringes
Measuring beaker with lid

On opening the box it all looks pretty similar to the salifert kit. Only difference is that it changes to yellow.

So after a few goes with it what are my thoughts?

The good:
1 good packaging
2 measuring beaker is crystal clear with good fitting lid
3 colour change is easy even for me to see

The bad:
1 no idea of retail cost? (But this may be a good)
2 paper instructions are near to tissue paper and this is only place conversion chart is. (It can be calculated)

 

[Eaval]

Calcium



Magnesium




Contents of the boxes similar to alk test and salifert kits.

Calcium has powder in what looks like a supository ... dont try that!!

Both go from red to blue.
Personally I find the change to yellow alot easier to tell when it changed. Whereas these two was always a ... erm ... was it that drop or the one before when it changed. Same as salifert so its not a knocking of the kit but more likely my colourblindness

 

[Colombo]

The RRP of the KH test Kit is £6.29, Calcium £9.99 and the Magnesium Test is £9.99

 

[Scott]

Id be interested to know about these... i use salifert kits and when i use the measurimg syringe the paperwork simply says draw back until it gets to whatever but theres always an airlock in the syringe and it doesnt say wether the whole test equates for that air lock or if the baseline and accuracy should actually start at the first measurement on the syringe if you get me.... id like something different that im sure im going to get an accurate ish reading each time

 

[CEECH]

Thats seems like a very fair price . Do you have P04 kits [MENTION=22649]Col[/MENTION]umbo that are new. I have your test kit pack and found the P04 to be off. Being honest salifert is not so great either. Ammonia , N02 , N03 were bang on and easy to use.The kit i had did not have the above tests. Do you plan on making a full kit for saltwater only ?

 

[Eaval]

[MENTION=22835]CEECH[/MENTION] - yes they have a nitrate and phosphate test kit too. will be commenting over the weekend
[MENTION=22376]Scott[/MENTION] - The airbubble is the volume of air that is in the tip of the syringe. Will take some pictures tonight if they come out will post them. Shall we just say I will definitely be buying the Colombo alk test kit when it runs out.
[MENTION=24204]Colombo[/MENTION] - thank you for sharing the pricing. Do you have a link to UK stockists?
Also - is there any chance that the packaging material could have the conversion chart printed on it? perhaps the side where the expiry date is printed? Thats the only really big drawback for me with these three kits - I don't think that the thin-paper will last long when liquids are in the vicinity

 

[warby]

Id be interested to know about these... i use salifert kits and when i use the measurimg syringe the paperwork simply says draw back until it gets to whatever but theres always an airlock in the syringe and it doesnt say wether the whole test equates for that air lock or if the baseline and accuracy should actually start at the first measurement on the syringe if you get me.... id like something different that im sure im going to get an accurate ish reading each time

salifert state the amount of air in the top should be 0.05 ml as that's how much the tip holds.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[diver 807]

I too am trialing te Colombo kits and agree that they are well packaged,but I struggle to read the syringe marks as they are too small.I am still trying coral vits but too early to tell yet. the Aiptasidol works very well admit I don't have aips but loads of fuzzy mushrooms so I tried it on one of them zapped in no time.mag ,ca , came out much the same as salifert. I wasn't given kh so can't comment.

 

[Eaval]

Had a LFS test my alk. Within a drop or two of same result I had so alk looks pretty accurate. Would need reference sample indate to be able to check more accurately

 

[diver 807]

It seems they are pretty much on par with one another price wise as well.so it looks like we have an alternative choice.