Interested in SW...

[Krib32]

After some research, it seems that I can use the liquids, and they will work, but the color cards will not match. (As you said @Krib32)

Would it be worth it to try to find just the color card and buy that? Or would it be better to just buy the other test kit?

I thought that I may be able to print it off online, but the color may not match?

You could buy the kit but if you are set on saving money printing them out may work.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

You could buy the kit but if you are set on saving money printing them out may work.

I’ll try printing off first.

I tried to see how accurate the colors were from the print out to the original, from the freshwater test kit:

(Obviously it’s huge, but I can edit it to make it the same size.)

Pretty dang accurate though.

——

I’m going to print off the saltwater test kit card, so it should work out. Not having to spend another $30 is definitely going to help my build!

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Like a boss:

That just saved me $30!

 

[OliveFish05]

Hm, I don’t really like pool filter sand, as far as texture goes.

I would love to see side by side photos in tank! This photos of it in the bag don’t really do any good for color.

Here are some photos of the two sand types. I labeled them too. BUT there are some bigger white grains of sand in the photo of the Crystal River because I tried to mix it with another sand, it didn’t work, I didn’t like it, but just wanted you to know it isn’t supposed to be there. The Crystal River is more like a heavy dust, it is super fine grains, it is really nice.

The pool filter sand is bigger grains, but it has a little bit more of a mix of colors. Some grains are dark some are light, and there were some little black chunks in it.

I find the Crystal River Sand easier to clean. I think it is like a little over $5 for a 10 pound bag from petco, and I think Petsmart sells a 50 pound bag for $25 ish. I used 2 bags for my 10 gallon tank

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I like the one to the left on image #2. That’s the Crystal River stuff, right?

 

[OliveFish05]

I like the one to the left on image #2. That’s the Crystal River stuff, right?

Yes

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes

Hm, ok. Thank you for the pictures!

I think I’m going to go with the CaribSea Arab-Alive. I love the look of it and it will help me cycle my tank faster, if not an instant cycle. It’s a little more expensive, but I’m willing to pay it.

——

Not quite sure when I’m going to sell my GBFT’s back to my LFS. But when/if I do, that extra money (in-store credit) will help pay for other items.

 

[OliveFish05]

Hm, ok. Thank you for the pictures!

You are welcome! I can't wait to see how your saltwater tank comes along! This thread is soooo making me wish I could get a 3rd tank

I think I’m going to go with the CaribSea Arab-Alive. I love the look of it and it will help me cycle my tank faster, if not an instant cycle. It’s a little more expensive, but I’m willing to pay it.

That would look really nice!

Not quite sure when I’m going to sell my GBFT’s back to my LFS. But when/if I do, that extra money (in-store credit) will help pay for other items.

I wish I lived closer, I would totally buy them from you to add to my school

 

[PheonixKingZ]

You are welcome! I can't wait to see how your saltwater tank comes along! This thread is soooo making me wish I could get a 3rd tank

That would look really nice!

I wish I lived closer, I would totally buy them from you to add to my school

I can't wait either! I'm closer than every, to fulfilling a life-long dream!

That would be awesome if we lived closer. I kind of feel bad for returning/selling them to my LFS, not sure why.

 

[OliveFish05]

That would be awesome if we lived closer. I kind of feel bad for returning/selling them to my LFS, not sure why.

I think I may know what you mean. My younger sister and I raise bunnies, and part of keeping our lines strong and producing healthy baby bunnies is selecting quality rabbits to be the parents, which means frequently replacing our breeders (as they get older, produce a kit with a genetic disability (which is rare), or have several unsuccessful litters) with younger rabbits to be breeders in our herd. I think the thing that makes it hard, for me at least, to rehome them (or anything) is the fact that when you buy them (in your case, the GBFTs) , you are committing to their care. Getting rid of them feels kinda like "quitting" on them, or you "didn't care enough" to make something work, or that you chose a DIFFERENT fish or rabbit over them. Thats how it feels for me at least, maybe I get more attached to my animals than most people.

 

[Colin_T]

I’m, ok, I’m in shock. I though the API Saltwater Master Test Kit was going to be $40+, but it’s the same cost as the freshwater one. ?

that's because its the same test kit with a different box. your freshwater ammonia, nitrite and nitrate kits usually work on saltwater too.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

that's because its the same test kit with a different box. your freshwater ammonia, nitrite and nitrate kits usually work on saltwater too.

It makes me cringe when they rip people off like that. Just sell the saltwater card for like $10.

 

[cdelly]

a lot of ppl in marines won't use API because they are know to give wrong readings, personally i would get a proper marine one

 

[PheonixKingZ]

a lot of ppl in marines won't use API because they are know to give wrong readings, personally i would get a proper marine one

But it’s the same exact liquid in both test kits.

 

[cdelly]

Still would buy a marine spec one, i've never used API but the amount on forums that say they are crap, meant i used red sea and makes like that