Need decent test kit ideas.

[Mike1995]

I have an API test kit . But I've been seeing on here that they're not very accurate.
What's a good kit that tests all the different parameters in a reef tank? I'd like to not go more than$50.

 

[RyanC]

I got the API as well and have been told to get a better kit. I’m looking into the Salifert one. It’s right around the $50. I’ll probably run my API kit till it’s gone then get the salifert myself. I always take a sample to my LFS store to have them test as well to see where I’m at. So far, I’m right with both of the stores. I find myself at one of the two LFS I use atleast once a week since I started so I figure I can use up the API till it’s gone.

 

[Orm Embar]

Salifert for alkalinity/Ca/Mg. Accurate and easy to see endpoints (which matters a lot to me!). https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...s-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-3

I bring my water to the LFS for nitrate/phosphate since my tank usually runs very well with a refugium/chaeto.

API is fine for ammonia; I didn't find their alk to be accurate.

Hanna high range for copper (once you buy the initial measuring device, the refills are pretty close to other test kits). I can't read other kits, and Hanna is very easy to determine once you get the #$%@$#%@ powder into the vial! I so wish that they used liquid reagents by the drop, or even a 1 ml syringe like Salifert. Powder is evil. But Hanna is STILL light years beyond API or Seachem copper kits.

 

[Mike1995]

I'll definitely look for those!

I saw this one, is it any good? A little more than I'd like to spend but.. oh well.
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...glAfW2cq7fRGRM5cKTtXeRT77WyXAF24aApeWEALw_wcB

 

[mitch91175]

I have an API test kit . But I've been seeing on here that they're not very accurate.
What's a good kit that tests all the different parameters in a reef tank? I'd like to not go more than$50.

Oh that's gonna be a difficult one not going over $50 if you want to test:

Magnesium
Calcium
Alkalinity
Phosphates
Nitrates

You can maybe browse your local groups to see if anyone is getting out of the hobby and pickup some test kits from them. The Hanna checkers all are going to run you over $30 each.

 

[Rattzreef]

Hannas Alk. checker is really easy to use and quick. I just picked up Hanna's copper tester for my QT and have the Red Sea reef foundation kit for Ca. and Mg. I do like Red Sea's Reef Care test kit too for Ammonia and Nitrate.
They do cost a bit more but the reagents aren't expensive and the cases are convenient and sturdy..

 

[Mike1995]

I'd definitely go out and get all those things... But my gf would beat me
Is that one in the link I posted any good?

 

[WWIII]

Lamotte for alkalinity

Salifert for calcium, magnesium, nitrate

Hanna (ulr phosphorus checker) for phosphate

Those are the best imo. But if you want to stay around $50 for now I would recommend the salifert calcium, alk, mag, nitrate tests for now and then the hanna ulr when you can spend another $50.


This is assuming your tank is cycled already. Also assuming you want a reef tank and not a fish only.

If your still cycling the tank, just use api and then buy the above as you can.

 

[WWIII]

I'd definitely go out and get all those things... But my gf would beat me
Is that one in the link I posted any good?

I've never seen or heard anyone use the test kit posted in your link. I would advise against because of that. Salifert and/or red sea are pretty standard/safe bet. Api is fine for the cycle, but once the tank is going well you shouldn't need to test for ammonia, nitrite, ph really all that much, if ever.

 

[Rattzreef]

I've never really heard of that brand or used them before. Perhaps someone on here has. But IMO When it comes to test kits in reefkeeping unfortunately, cheaper doesn't always mean better. I look at it from this perspective: A.) I can spend a little extra now and get quality, accurate, and easy to use test kits which in turn will help me be more successful the first time out. Or B.) I can get something now cause its cheap and has all these extra tests that my young aquarium doesn't need testing for and by the time any of those trace test will be needed for a mature healthy tank, many will be expired anyways. Which in turn may cost even More money when you factor in lost livestock, algae issues to possibly tackle due to hard to read and understand tests, and having to go out and buy the more expensive, more accurate and easier to perform tests which make us more likely to even do them. It's up to you of course but I think your GF would be more upset by the amount of frustration as well as extra money spent later cause you went inexpensive now. And that's something you can pitch to her . It makes more sense in the long run.. If a test is easy to perform and understand accurately we are 90% more likely to do those tests.. The more difficult they are the more we let them slide and things go downhill. Not all test kits are created equal.

 

[Xavierwally]

I like the red sea test kits. They have a multi test kit that covers Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium for about $60 and each one has 75 tests.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-reef-foundation-pro-multi-test-kit-ca-alk-mg.html

 

[Rattzreef]

I like the red sea test kits. They have a multi test kit that covers Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium for about $60 and each one has 75 tests.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-reef-foundation-pro-multi-test-kit-ca-alk-mg.html

I have this very kit.. great buy.. reagents aren't expensive at all either

 

[Mike1995]

Hmm.. well I found a combo thing for the Salifert tests. I'll probably go with that. Thanks everyone! My tank is cycled, (75 gallon) for about 4-5 months now.. only live stock is gold spot maroon clown. and a Zoa frag. I'm gonna get a foxface in the next few weeks. For future ideas, what other fish are compatible with those? Would a yellow Tang be ok?