Test Strip (In)acuracy

[Brookenstein]

Ok, so I've had the Taylor test kit for a few days... I'm out of my FCl test strips but still have some MPS ones left.  They both test for PH/ALK so I decided to run them against my the Taylor test kit last night.

The test strips gave me 'ok' readings.  Pretty much right between the 2 in the okay range.  So then I tested with Taylor... my ALK was 150 and PH was >8.  The day before my ALK was 160 and PH was 7.4.  I haven't treated the water to adjust anything yet as I want to see if it changes at all.

I must say I am a bit in shock over the discrepancy... as I thought for the last year my water was always perfect (except in times of a needed dump, say after 3-4 mo) then I knew both PH and ALK dropped).

[Chad]

I know what you mean. It's amazing how much more accurate Taylor kits are opposed to test strips.

[anne]

Ignorance is bliss? If I were you, I'd immediately be tempted to start micromanaging my water now that I have better information......which would be unwise. Sounds like your wait and watch approach is a good one.