TEST KITS - WHAT TO TEST, BEST KITS

[Lanie]

Being a newbie to this hobby - (did I say hobby more like an obsession, with me that is)... I would like to know what to test for, best kits, what meters are a must - etc.

Thanks in advance. (I have a 26g zoa, softy tank and am starting a little bigger tank that will be sps)

Lanie

 

[Nickjr000]

If your gonna be one that tests stuff, prob get a ph, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, cal. Id say a phos test kit but they're so inaccurate. Better off just trying to guess if the phos is high by the presence of nuisance algae in your tank, and do all you can to keep the phos down. Water change, cheato in sump or ref, etc.

 

[Sunny]

Salifert are good for alk and calcium. Phosphate is a challenge but I have heard red sea is good. I use salifert for ph and nitrate as well.

Good luck with the tank and welcome to the club.

Sunny

 

[The_Codfather]

My first kit and still using is the API Master Reef but I hear good things about Instant Ocean Master Test Kits

 

[vangvace]

I like API kits for the Nitrate cycle tests. (most needed in the beginning.) To test salinity you can use either a calibrated hydrometer or refractometer. There are pros and cons to both devices.

Salifert for Magnesium, Alk, and Calcium as well once you are ready for hard corals.