Best test kit

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Hi at the moment the only test kit I have is the API Ammonia nitrate Ph and nitrite test strips version. I also have a hanna checker for copper (which doesn’t work) .

what other test kits can I get? Are there any combined ones that come as a binder that test phosphate alkalinity and calcium? I’d rather not get the digital checkers although more accurate are a lot more expensive

 

[Greenreef75]

I use the redsea pro kits and they seem to work fairly well and are easy to use

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

I use the redsea pro kits and they seem to work fairly well and are easy to use

Can you get them in a bundle or do I have to buy each one separately. Also just to confirm alkalinity and carbonanic hardness are the same thing right

 

[pseudorand]

Hi at the moment the only test kit I have is the API Ammonia nitrate Ph and nitrite test strips version. I also have a hanna checker for copper (which doesn’t work) .

what other test kits can I get? Are there any combined ones that come as a binder that test phosphate alkalinity and calcium? I’d rather not get the digital checkers although more accurate are a lot more expensive

Why doesn't your Hanna Cu work? If you have the LR model , it's not designed for saltwater. Hanna support told me this, though I can't find it on the box or instructions. The HR one works fine for me. It's only useful for measuring medication levels in your QT though.

For other kits, I like the NYOS for ease of use. The Red Sea are even easier to use for titration tests (Ca, Mg), but they're pricey.

In terms of which you need, do you have or plan to keep coral, or just FOWLR? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and maybe Phosphate may be all you care about if you're not keeping corals, clams, etc.

 

[Dr. Jim]

You can get bundles but I don't know of any bundle that I would recommend. I know you want to stay away from Hanna checkers but for PO4, I think you will be wasting your money on anything other than a Hanna Phosphorous checker if you want accurate low-range readings.

Others:
NITRATE: Salifert (inexpensive, quick and easy)
Mg: Salifert
Ca: Red Sea (more accurate than Salifert IMO)
Alkalinity: This is one of the more important kits, but unfortunately, IMO, these kits have the most variability between brands. I've been comparing many for a long time. I'd have to recommend the Hanna checker here too, BUT with these checkers you have to be meticulous to keep the vials clean (and replace them from time to time), so this means:
-get a tiny tube brush to clean it after use
-rinse with RO/DI after cleaning AND before testing (after filling vial); use microfiber clothe to dry outside; hold up to light to look for smudges or lint
-try not to touch the upper third of the vial (where measuring light strikes).

If you absolutely don't want a Hanna checker for Alk, then:
-Salifert (but always reads high IME)
-Red Sea (but seems to have tendency to read the same value when other kits fluctuate)

 

[Jet915]

I use API for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and calcium. Salifert for magnesium. I think Hanna is a must for alkalinity and phosphate if you are serious about corals.

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Why doesn't your Hanna Cu work? If you have the LR model , it's not designed for saltwater. Hanna support told me this, though I can't find it on the box or instructions. The HR one works fine for me. It's only useful for measuring medication levels in your QT though.

For other kits, I like the NYOS for ease of use. The Red Sea are even easier to use for titration tests (Ca, Mg), but they're pricey.

In terms of which you need, do you have or plan to keep coral, or just FOWLR? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and maybe Phosphate may be all you care about if you're not keeping corals, clams, etc.

I have this model - it gave crazy off readings I made a post about it when I was using cupramine 5 readings all different and by a lot too. Repeated it a week after still giving silly readings so not sure what’s wrong with it.

I currently have a few coral mainly the more forgiving type hence not much issue with parameters. But would like to get parameters to be stable as I want to purchase some large colonies

 

[DRW0212]

I use Hannah and love them

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

I use Hannah and love them

So I was told but spending 80£ on this while my fish were in treatment and it not working was frustrating; the company I bought it from said there’s nothing they can do I have to send it to Hanna themselves.

 

[Saaqib_Ansari]

Here’s the results the hanna checker gave me first time I used it. 2nd time I tried and it gave me nonsense readings aswell now I’ve put in a box to throw away

 

[stanleo]

I use API drops for pH, Red Sea for calcium, alkalinity and magnesium, Salifert for Nitrate and Phosphate. Works really well for me. I think I spent 20$ each for the Salifert, 50$ on the Red Sea kit with all 3 of those tests and the API I already had because I bought the bundle Master Reef Kit when I started out.

I have learned that no test is 100% accurate and what you should shoot for is that whatever test kit you use, should be compared only with the previous tests using the same kit, not a different one. Obviously some are more accurate than others and the strips are nearly useless. Also some tests are more sensitive than others and can detect say phosphates at a lower level. For instance, the API drops for Nitrates only detects nitrates if they are 5 ppm or above. The Salifert can read them as low as 2 ppm. Plus the API color chart only reads at 5 ppm intervals until it gets higher.

Just find tests that you can afford that you have time to perform and that you can read easily.

 

[Greenreef75]

Can you get them in a bundle or do I have to buy each one separately. Also just to confirm alkalinity and carbonanic hardness are the same thing right

I have the Red Sea algea pro kit that has nitrate and phosphate and the Red Sea foundation pro kit that has calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. So two kits total

 

[hllb]

API is fine for ph
Red Sea for calcium
Nyos for nitrates (easier for me to read than the pinks)
Hanna for phosphates (ULR)
Salifert for mag and alk (I use Hanna for alk but like Salifert as a backup)

 

[Jeffcb]

I use Red Sea. Seems ok

 

[SMSREEF]

That’s a bummer about your Hanna copper tester. With Hanna, technique is important. Using same vial and making sure it’s same direction for both C1 and C2. Making sure no micro bubbles are on the glass, no fingerprints... You should contact Hanna if you are doing this and getting crazy readings, they are too much money to not work. Mine is very consistent.

I like Salifert for NO3
Red Sea Ca and Mg
Hanna for Copper, PO4 and Alk

 

[Billdogg]

I use Salifert for all my testing and have for 30 years. I find them to be reasonably priced, they give repeatable results, and are easy to use.