I like API test kits, but use many

Cory · Apr 27, 2017

Seriously, they are i exspensive, color change is dramatic, and ive compared calcium, phosphate and alkalinity to Saliferts and they are the same in accuracy!

What do you guys like?

mcmunn93 · Apr 27, 2017

Red sea test kit i like

Waters · Apr 27, 2017

Anything but API

I normally use Salifert, Red Sea, or Hanna (for phosphates).

ksanfranfan · Apr 27, 2017

Cory said:
Seriously, they are i exspensive, color change is dramatic, and ive compared calcium, phosphate and alkalinity to Saliferts and they are the same in accuracy!

What do you guys like?

I use api as well. I occasionally use salifert to double check or for magnesium.

AdamNC · Apr 27, 2017

Red Sea but have API if I think I might have gotten a bad refill reagent.

Reef man 89 · Apr 27, 2017

I use API just for the nitrogen cycle then after that Red Sea and Hanna

Breadman03 · Apr 27, 2017

Though I prefer Red Sea or Salifert in general, API gave me comparable results. Adhering to instructions, not surprisingly, works well.

Kershaw · Apr 27, 2017

I agree API is better then people give credit. I use Hannah kh to dial in my doser then use API to maintain. It's fast and easy. I also really like nyos test kits

potatocouch · May 11, 2017

Cory said:
Seriously, they are i exspensive, color change is dramatic, and ive compared calcium, phosphate and alkalinity to Saliferts and they are the same in accuracy!
What do you guys like?

@Cory this is interesting .... you can't be serious?

How can color change be dramatic, particularly for Po4?

No3 is also the same thing; dang hard to distinguished!

Cory · May 11, 2017

potatocouch said:
@Cory this is interesting .... you can't be serious?

How can color change be dramatic, particularly for Po4?

No3 is also the same thing; dang hard to distinguished!

Yep dont have any issue with them. Just wish they supplied a syringe for the alk test instead of a dropper.

Devaji · May 12, 2017

I did alot of research over the last year on test kits. over on RC there is a big shoot out thread testing test kits.
this is what i got from many hrs of it:
po4 hanna
alk API
ca API
mag. salifert or other
ammonia API is fine
no3 APi is fine as well

after lots of testing ( not done by me) API tested with in acceptable parameters and even better in some cased than test kits 2-3X the price.
keep in mind these are all hobby test kits.
now some ppl will find certain test kits to be easier to see or test. so really you need to find the ones that will work for you. BRS did a great video on showing how the function.
IMHO if a test kit is easy to test& easy to read then we will test more I think API has some decent kits at an affordable price point.
they often get a bad rap. I agree they could and should do a "pro" line and inlude a syringe and better top for the bottles but keep the price down...not to much to ask right??

potatocouch · May 12, 2017

I am still astonished with you two (not in bad way); but API is renowned for their hard to compare color.

Johniejumbo · May 27, 2017

I use API myself. I don't have much trouble. It can be a bit tough to tell the color difference on some but if you use regular fluorescent room lighting and hold the vial in front of but not touching something white it really helps.

Flippers4pups · May 27, 2017

API here for years. No problems.

Reefer1978 · May 27, 2017

Stopped using API in freshwater days, lost a few very expensive 6" discus cause brand new Nitrate kit kept reading nitrates as ultra low for a few weeks. When I started doubting it and bought another kit - over 100. When I called API - their response was ohh well, go buy another one. Never again, no matter how cheap they are.

Cory · May 28, 2017

nvladik said:
Stopped using API in freshwater days, lost a few very expensive 6" discus cause brand new Nitrate kit kept reading nitrates as ultra low for a few weeks. When I started doubting it and bought another kit - over 100. When I called API - their response was ohh well, go buy another one. Never again, no matter how cheap they are.

You shouldnt rely on test kits accuracy. I had a salifert alk test kill my tank years ago. I now have standards for everything.

Reefer1978 · May 28, 2017

Cory said:
You shouldnt rely on test kits accuracy. I had a salifert alk test kill my tank years ago. I now have standards for everything.

Agreed, and I've been running multiple kits ever since. I was more amazed at API's response. Have a brand new kit with a receipt that doesn't work (yes I took it back to the store and got a refund afterwards), they couldn't care less, no send it to us so we can investigate; no apologies, here's a replacement; they actually expected me to spend more money on their crappy product.

Tphill · May 28, 2017

I use API for nitrates & pH, Hanna for po4, and when I tested for the other stuff, Hanna for alk, Salifert for Ca & Mg, and Red Sea for I2, K, and Fe.

Katrina71 · May 28, 2017

I'm super new. Just curious about Hanna. Do they just translate for you and give digital results?

Bacon505 · May 28, 2017

All time API user here. I only test my parameter for alk and cal anyways. $5-6 for calcium and $3-4 for alk kit, cant complain about that. I have never use any other test kits for me to comment on but probably not planning to switch brand. I believe test kits are there for you to get a guage on your par. Every tank is different so you adjust accordingly mostly base on you naked eyes. If you inspect your corals daily, you should be able to tell if something is wrong even before you pull out those test kits