API Test Kits

[raylinds]

When I was ordering equipment for my build I got the API Saltwater Master Test Kit (high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) and the Reef Master Test Kit (calcium. carbonite hardness, phosphate and nitrate) figuring this would cover my testing needs.

Since then my research has revealed that the API tests may not be that accurate. How bad are the API tests? Are there some that I should immediately replace, or is this good enough to get started? I am still a few weeks away from putting water in the tank, so I have time to get replacements and I have not opened them, so could return them.

Thanks for any input.

Cheers,
Ray

 

[LAReefer4Life]

API test kits will give you what you need. The ammonia test is hard to read in my opinion. I did alternate between using API, Red sea, and Tropic Marin but now I am using Hanna Checkers. They are a little pricey but definitely most accurate and easy to read.

Hope this helps! Goodluck.

 

[raylinds]

API test kits will give you what you need. The ammonia test is hard to read in my opinion. I did alternate between using API, Red sea, and Tropic Marin but now I am using Hanna Checkers. They are a little pricey but definitely most accurate and easy to read.

Hope this helps! Goodluck.

Thanks. I have been eyeing the Hanna Checkers and may opt for those once the tank cycles and I start adding livestock.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Thanks. I have been eyeing the Hanna Checkers and may opt for those once the tank cycles and I start adding livestock.

Awesome. API will get the job done for now then.

 

[KorD]

API is not all that bad really.. I use it for nitrates, nitrites and PH.
All the rest of my kits are Red Sea. I just can't afford all the red Sea kits at one time.

The LFS are all hell bent on using the API kits because they are quick and get the job done.

 

[BadFish619]

The only inaccurate thing with the api is it test total ammonia, which will give you a higher ammonia reading. I look at it like this, my ammonia reads .25 its most likely zero. To combat this I got an ammonia badge for I think 7 bucks. It constantly reads 0. These in conjunction work just fine for me

 

[jsker]

As you grow, you find the test kits that you like and are comfortable with

Hanna tests are pricey up front, the refills work out pretty cheap over time.

Aquaforest test kits are very accurate and less then most test kits and easy to use.

Myself I use different test kits for different parameters and have a different brand to double check some times

Hanna for Ca, Alk, and phosphorous/phosphates
Aquaforest for Ca (back-up), Alk(back-up), Mg, and nitrates

 

[bluprntguy]

I always run the API ammonia test with a second vial of clean salt water simultaneously. If they match, the tank is zero ammonia. It’s impossible to match the yellow to the card.

 

[raylinds]

Thanks for all the good info.