Opinion on test kits

[IloveLPS]

I was looking to buy test kits for calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity/ph

I was initially looking at Salifert, but some of the API kits got just as good of reviews. Thoughts/personal experience/opinions? Any insight is much appreciated!

:nod:

 

[robbrouse]

I'm not a fan of the API kits and the calcium test take for ever with the API kit.. I Like redsea myself and you can buy refills and in the long run tuns out cheaper.

I only use API when I'm cycling a tank.

 

[KSzegi]

Personally I like the API only for alk. I ran a test a while back with a hannah checker, a salifert and an api test ..... hannah and api always matched, salifert always close so between the 3 - the API was quickest, easiest and least expensive and i've stuck with it.

 

[mtnrunner]

I really like my Salifert Ca and Alk test kits. Straightforward to use and results are easy to detect - distinct color changes, no comparing to a color scale. Good clear instructions and readings chart as well - on a full sheet of paper, not in fine print that can be hard to read.

I switched from Hanna to Salifert.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I use API for
Cal, Alk, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia and Phosphates
Salifert for Magnesium
I don't have any issues with my tank.

 

[labas39]

I use API for
Cal, Alk, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia and Phosphates
Salifert for Magnesium
I don't have any issues with my tank.

+1

I'm not a scientist so API tests are cheap, fast and accurate enough.

The only thing I don't like about my Salifert test is the powder part, I don't seem to get a good feeling that I'm putting in the correct amount with the spoon. I may switch to Red Sea since it's all liquid.

 

[scsreef]

I use to use Salifert but then switched to Red Sea over a year ago. I like both of them but Red Sea is cheaper in the long run.

 

[IloveLPS]

Thank you all so much for your replies and input! I think I will go with Reef Madness's idea because I can get the API for an ever better price. I can always switch it up if I have to.

 

[robbrouse]

The lasted CA test I bought was powder. I do not like the powder as well.

+1

I may switch to Red Sea since it's all liquid.

 

[TheSaint216]

this test kit has everything you need. It replaced all my Salifert kits and is very easy to use. numbers are very consistent

Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Ca/Alk/Mg Multi Test Kit

 

[ReddyW]

Hanna Marine Alkalinity HI 755, although Red Sea and API give similar readings. The Red Sea reagent can oxidize over time (reagent turns more orange and endpoint turns yellow) but the results so far have been accurate.

Hanna ULR Phosphorus (Phosphate) HI 736. API only measures .25 and above. Red Sea always reads .08

Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro for Ca and Mg. Use the KH till the reagent turns orange. API Ca doesn't give me consistent results and is a PITA to do.

I use the Red Sea Nitrate Pro test from their Algae Control Test Kit and it is OK. The big bottle of reagent is prone to clogging. API is probably as good.

I haven't tried any kits other than Red Sea, API, and Hanna. All the good LFS in my area use Salifert, all the bad ones use API. The really good ones just look at the tank!

 

[mcarroll]

The only thing I don't like about my Salifert test is the powder part, I don't seem to get a good feeling that I'm putting in the correct amount with the spoon.

(Edited)

The "magic spoon" they give for the powdered reagents in the Ca and Mg kits are practically self-leveling and it is not critical to have EXACTLY the correct amount of this stuff.

It should be very easy to get very close, very reliably though.

With any kit, your consistency in using it is what really counts. None of these liquid test kits are very accurate - and they don't need to be.

Salifert is the simplest and easiest to use IMO. And price is excellent, even if they aren't the cheapest.

-Matt