Best water param tests?

[JenniferMcK]

I have the api test kit. It sucks. Sometimes I can't tell colors apart from each other. Sometimes I get one reading and double check it and I get a whole other reading. It's the only test kit that is sold near me. I'm just wondering what is the best tests or test kits for checking water parameters?

 

[RobZilla04]

This is pretty common question. Depending on the test, folks typically recommend Salifert, Red Sea, or Hannah Checkers.

 

[TMB]

I think "best" depends on which parameter you're testing:
API works fine for Nitrite and Ammonia. once you have a long cycled tank you will not use these much - except in a QT situation.
For almost everything else I prefer the Salifert tests, they're easy and reasonably accurate
For Phosphate I really like the Hanna checker.

 

[JenniferMcK]

This is pretty common question. Depending on the test, folks typically recommend Salifert, Red Sea, or Hannah Checkers.

I'm going to look into them. I have a hannah checker for copper for my qt. I love it. Thank you

 

[JenniferMcK]

I think "best" depends on which parameter you're testing:
API works fine for Nitrite and Ammonia. once you have a long cycled tank you will not use these much - except in a QT situation.
For almost everything else I prefer the Salifert tests, they're easy and reasonably accurate
For Phosphate I really like the Hanna checker.

Thank you. I'll have to give the salifert a try. I love my hannah copper checker so I'll probably get one for phosphates as well

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I've had good luck with Red Sea tests. I've been using them from the beginning for Ca, Mg, dKH, NO3, and PO4.

I use API for ammonia and pH when cycling my quarantine tank.

 

[JenniferMcK]

I've had good luck with Red Sea tests. I've been using them from the beginning for Ca, Mg, dKH, NO3, and PO4.

I use API for ammonia and pH when cycling my quarantine tank.

Thank you. I'll look into those as well.

 

[jtl]

API is good enough for Alk.

 

[PatW]

For phosphate: Hanna ULR phosphate checker. It is the only test that is accurate at a low enough level to be of much usd.
For nitrate: Red Sea Pro. It is good down to .25 ppm. Salifert is good too.
For magnesium: Salifert. I don’t get a consistent result with Red Sea Pro.
For DKH: I like Red Sea Pro. But I like Hanna a bit more. You don’t have interpretation of is it yellow green yet? Salifert gives a result that is higher than others but not a big deal.
For Ca: I use Red Sea Pro but Salifert works also.

So two Hanna, 2 Red Sea Pro and a Salifert. Your results may vary.

 

[tupes]

Here is a thread I started for folks to vote on test they use.

Hope this can help.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-test-kit-do-you-use.547246/#post-5649708

 

[JenniferMcK]

For phosphate: Hanna ULR phosphate checker. It is the only test that is accurate at a low enough level to be of much usd.
For nitrate: Red Sea Pro. It is good down to .25 ppm. Salifert is good too.
For magnesium: Salifert. I don’t get a consistent result with Red Sea Pro.
For DKH: I like Red Sea Pro. But I like Hanna a bit more. You don’t have interpretation of is it yellow green yet? Salifert gives a result that is higher than others but not a big deal.
For Ca: I use Red Sea Pro but Salifert works also.

So two Hanna, 2 Red Sea Pro and a Salifert. Your results may vary.

Thank you for ask that info! I would've had no idea about red sea pro or salifert if I wouldn't have asked. I'll defibrillator be getting these

 

[JenniferMcK]

Here is a thread I started for folks to vote on test they use.

Hope this can help.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-test-kit-do-you-use.547246/#post-5649708

Thank you in checking out out now!