Best test kit out there?

szutj001 · Feb 20, 2013

Whats out there and who makes a good test kit or best individual test kits? I still Have my old Kordon test kit but you cant get the pillows for it anymore. So what are you guys using and no lets not go down the probe road.

Fidofence · Feb 20, 2013

Red Sea

swannyson7 · Feb 20, 2013

As a whole, I like the Red Sea Pro & Salifert test kits.

Pappy · Feb 20, 2013

Ime...easiest API, best Red Sea, hardest (def Dont recommend) seachem.

Jlobes · Feb 20, 2013

redsea & salifert.

you dont want easy, you want reliable and accurate!

Zoanthids · Feb 20, 2013

We recently switched over to Red Sea and love it! Its the best test kit I've used.

Bigdaddy · Feb 20, 2013

i needed a nitrate kit i just got a seachem it was on sale i agree compare to others it is more dificult to do ,

mike007 · Feb 20, 2013

Redsea gets my vote.

Pappy · Feb 20, 2013

Jlobes said:
redsea & salifert.

you dont want easy, you want reliable and accurate!

I read a thread (can't remember where) where there was a study comparing test kits and with a very narrow margin of fluctuation very little difference. Ime as long as the kit is not outdated, they are all very close. The only really reliable test IMO is through a lab. I have used API since I started in hobby because they're cheap and never had a problem. I've switched to sea chem and Red Sea for different kits and experimented and ALWAYS got same results. So only ime are kits overrated as far as which is better (more reliable, accurate, etc...). Most of the reefkeepers I know that are seasoned veterans don't even test anymore. Me on the other hand always do just because I'm anal.

so my experience has been if you want to spend the extra on a kit to feel better then have at it but if you wanna save money and spend it on better things like coral, good equipment, etc...just use API BUT always make sure the dates are good! Here is one article I found that shows all tests between different companies and you can see Red Sea and API are dead on.

http://kb.marinedepot.com/article.aspx?id=10833

Breakin Newz · Feb 20, 2013

The following test kits have worked great for me, I have been sticking with them for awhile now:

ALK - Elos
CAL - API
MAG - RedSea or Salifert

szutj001 · Feb 20, 2013

Thanks!

Thanks for all the info since i have been out of it for a bit its great to hear what you guys think. I have always thought that the test just gives you an idea of whats lurking. when everything already looks off you know somethings wrong the test gives you a bit of warning and then its up to you what gets done. Anyway thanks all!

Swine · Feb 20, 2013

I use api for the basic four tests. Nitrate, nitrate, ph, ammonia. I do this because all of these tests expect for ph, should be zero. Once your tank is stable then they should stay at zero with your water changes. All of these tests seem to have too many variables. Imo i hate reading what color it should be. I use redsea for the other tests. And i have a hanna checker for phosphates. I hate that thing though, you never feel like you're doing the test right and its a pain getting all the reagent powder from the packet into the container.

Depending on how accurate you need to be it might be best to go with api. You dont need to know if you have .5 vs .55 phosphates. You just need to know thats way too **** high Haha. Its all about trends.
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AZDesertRat · Feb 21, 2013

For the initial cycle I use the API liquid master test kit as accuracy isn't as important. Long term I use Salifert for everything.

gqjeff · Feb 21, 2013

red sea pro and elos. RSP gets my vote though as I recently switched to all there tests besides po4 I use the old school hanna not the checker.

whixley101 · Feb 21, 2013

Sera for the money and Red Sea for a little bit more accurate results.

szutj001 · Mar 2, 2013

Thanks all after reading all the posts went with the API while i dial in the tank if i feel i need more then redsea. initially its just a black and white breeding tank. But also would like it to be pleasing to the eye so some easy to run coral. So will decide as I go on just how accurate my needs are.
Thanks again!