water test kits

[Tazmaniancowboy]

I would like to buy test kits from the group buy. My test kit is probably about five years old. I VERY rarely test my water probably only once this past year with my dated and probably inaccurate test kit.

Anyway, both my father and my brother are having some problems with their tanks and I guess I should test mine once in a while and have the kit available in case something goes out of wack so I will buy them. My questions are Does premium aquatics sell multi-kits or should I buy all tests individually? What tests should I buy? I would also like to know what brand do you think is the best. Please keep all responses to items that premium aquatics sells unless you think I should buy elsewhere.

Thanks
Taz

 

[DaveK]

Of the test kits that store sells, I happen to like LaMotte, Seachem, and Salifret in that order. Others might like other kits.

To set up a tank and get it through the initial cycle, you typically need to be able to test Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH.

To monitor an established tank, you typically want to test pH, nitrate (low range), phosphate (low range), calcium, alkalinity, and possibly magnesium. Test for magnesium, only if you can't seem to maintain the pH, alkalinity, calcium balance.

You'll also need something to measure SG. I recommend a refractometer for that.

If you are going to treat disease with copper, you'll want a copper test kit.

As for the others like iodine, you'll only need those if you are going to supplement that element. Except for calcium, this is usually not necessary, and you can keep the levels up with partial water changes.

 

[RichT]

I use to buy strictly Salifret. But due to the recent problems they are having and the fact I got a bad alk test kit, I think I'll be switching to LaMotte. It's a shame because Salifret seemed to be very consistent/accurate(enough for us) and reasonably priced until recently.

 

[pgordemer]

Lamotte are nice kits, I just hate that you have to do conversions. (No reason that can't put a chart in there).

Elos (now carried by Marin Depot) has a very good MG and Phosphate test kits.

 

[Phyl]

Sera has started making test kits. They are apparently consumer priced lab grade kits from a sister company. I haven't used them yet, but I'm looking forward to checking them out. Not sure who's carrying them yet though.

 

[RichT]

Sera stuff: http://www.seraessentials.com/subcategory.cfm?id=1&sub=20

Don't know if they are the lab grade stuff Phyl mentions but looks like they're worth a try.

 

[Tazmaniancowboy]

Thanks for the input guys. I waited too long to make up my mind so I didn't order them. I guess I'll order another time or buy locally.

Phyl, I actually was wondering about Sera. I was told one time that Sera was very big in the overseas market and he couldn't understand why they weren't here, but told me that they are coming into the US market strong. Don't really know if there is any truth to this ??? anyway, The hidden reef carries their test kits, I'm going to do some research on them and maybe give them a try.

Doing a quick search on RC for opinions on the sera test kits I found this link which could be very interesting about testing companies...I'm going to read through the pages tomorrow.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1180164

Taz

Man this hobby sure gives you a workout! Everytime I look something up I find another thing to consider.

 

[DaveK]

The few Sera products that I have tried all seemed to be good. However, I have not tried their test kits. I will say that the price on them looks too good to be true. Since they are priced lower than other aquarium grade test kits, I doubt that they are lab grade test kits.

O have used Elos test kits and I like them over the standard Salifret, since Elos uses glass for the test tubes.

 

[Phyl]

I've talked to their nation sales rep about them, so I'm pretty sure, but I'll confirm with him and let you know.

 

[ken6217]

I use to buy strictly Salifret. But due to the recent problems they are having and the fact I got a bad alk test kit, I think I'll be switching to LaMotte. It's a shame because Salifret seemed to be very consistent/accurate(enough for us) and reasonably priced until recently.

Rich,
What were the problems with Salifert? I hadn't heard. Also is it with all kits?
Ken

 

[RichT]

There was a problem with their ALK reading high and the replacement kit is horrible. There is a lot of info posted on RC. Shame because I really liked their kits. Now it seems Habib has possibly takin ill (rumor only) so it may go from bad to worse. I'm hoping they're able to get everything under control soon and gain everyone's confidence again.

 

[Phyl]

FWIW, I talked to Sera and they confirmed that the kits are indeed made by Merk Pharma. We'll be getting some kits to raffle off, hopefully in time for the January meeting.

 

[RichT]

Then we need to encourage PA to carry them.