Test Kits

[Jeremy Brito]

So as i am getting deeper into this hobby and becoming a responsible fish keeper/ reef keeper, ive been reading numerous articles on water chemistry and the importance of testing and proper maintenance, im also learn there is a plethra of various brands and an methods of water testing kits. So im looking for some recommendations on kits that i should consider purchasing. I am looking for something not to pricey and some sorta kit that covers everything or almost every thing as a package deal in other words a master kit for the full spectrum of water testing. I am currently using a API Saltwater Master kit, if i was to stay with API the next purchase would most likely be Reef Master kit.
what are my options and what are some pros and cons of each

 

[njtiger24 aquariums]

OK everyone will provide different views on test kits. Some really like API some hate API. About a year ago I decided to run some test on different test kits. I had API saltwater master kit and API reef master kit but also picked up Red Sea Reef Foundation test kit and Salifert test kits. I tested my water once a week. For 6 weeks I used all my test kits to compare the numbers and they were basically the same reading each time. When one was off it normally was the API and on the lower end of the scale.

Now with that said I still have my test kits and about to trash them (they most likely will expire before I'm ready to go again) and your more than welcome to have them tomorrow when you come get the rocks. Now my API and Red Sea kits are almost empty but the Salifert kits are still pretty full. I do believe they might be missing their syrings and cups but I purchased a box of 100 strings off Amazon for like $10 or so and worked well for me.

 

[Jeremy Brito]

OK everyone will provide different views on test kits. Some really like API some hate API. About a year ago I decided to run some test on different test kits. I had API saltwater master kit and API reef master kit but also picked up Red Sea Reef Foundation test kit and Salifert test kits. I tested my water once a week. For 6 weeks I used all my test kits to compare the numbers and they were basically the same reading each time. When one was off it normally was the API and on the lower end of the scale.

Now with that said I still have my test kits and about to trash them (they most likely will expire before I'm ready to go again) and your more than welcome to have them tomorrow when you come get the rocks. Now my API and Red Sea kits are almost empty but the Salifert kits are still pretty full. I do believe they might be missing their syrings and cups but I purchased a box of 100 strings off Amazon for like $10 or so and worked well for me.

that would be awesome ! your like my Reef hero lol id greatly appreciate them i should see you tomorrow around 130 ish

 

[Trio91]

If you are looking to test phosphates, the api color charts may be hard to read. For that you want to get something digital like a hanna checker. Aside from that, for now the Api kit should be fine

 

[charterreefer]

Salifert is the brand I settled with (NO3, Mg, Alk, Ca) Accurate, simple, straightforward and easy to use and read. Hanna for PO4.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's my two cents.....

Not crazy about API.

Red Sea and Salifert, you can't go wrong.

Test kits that are a must....Nitrate and Phosphate.

If you're keeping hard corals or clams, include calcium, alkalinity and magnesium.

No other kits are really needed unless your are adding a supplement....as an example iodine.