Best testing kits?

MikeandDee · May 27, 2019

new to Reefing, so would like some advice...

What is the general opinion on the API testing kits sold at the big box pet stores? Are they reliable if we are wanting to have the "perfect water conditions" for softies and LPS? Seems like API test kits maybe leaving out other parts of the water that need to be tested besides ammonia, Calcium, Phosphate, nitrite and nitrate.

What is a good test kit? Have done some reading and research and seems like the Hanna testers are good. $49.50 for each tester and the solution only last for so many test!!??

We are new to Reefing, and have already heard "you need to spend some money in order to have a beautiful tank." Don't go cheap...but do I really need to mortgage the house to have a beautiful reef tank.

Hitman · May 27, 2019

API is good for a tank cycle other then that they are nowhere near accurate for corals. Most use either Salifert or Red Sea Pro for MG and CA, and Hanna Checker for Alk.
I personally use the Hanna checkers for Alk and Phosphate and Salifert for Ca, Mg, Nitrate.

Dustinc1983 · May 27, 2019

I’m kinda new too. Only been in the game 15-16 months.. I still use my API stuff. Yes, I’d love a few Hannas for certain tests but Ive had zero issues. I have LPS and softies all great. Just do good water changes haha.

Multiple times I’ve tested and then gone to my local reef store and I get nearly the same results... just my 2 cents. I do follow the directions on API exactly, set timers, use 5ml of water, etc

Again this might not hold true for all since everyone’s reef is it’s own living build.

Dustinc1983 · May 27, 2019

I do agree with hitman for real accuracy on certain tests. The API stuff relies on your eyes and testing ability to match colors to a lame color coded card. Nowhere near as nice as a digital alk or calcium reading!

H@rry · May 28, 2019

I don't trust myself with the color changing test kits. I use Hanna for Phosphate and Alk. I use NYOS for Nitrate. It is a color change but it's pretty easy to read.

KorD · May 28, 2019

I mainly use Red Sea test kit for KH, Mg, Ca, and ammonia. I use the NYOS kit for phosphates. Sadly I use the API kits still for nitrates, nitrites, and Ph. I'm too broke to afford the good kits as of yet.

I also recommend a refractometer over a hydrometer any day. It's amazing the inaccurate readings I was getting from the hydrometer.

Also a big thing I noticed the the 5ml line on the API test kit tube is not a true 5ml per my three different syringes. Their printing that might have been really off.. it is 5.5ml on all my tubes.
This right there can throw off your tests.