Opinions on best test kit

[SingingSiren]

I need opinions on ( best.... most useful) test kit for me. It's just a 16 gallon Biocube with 3 fish, anemones, 1 candy cane (that's not doing so hot) 2 goniopora (doing great) 2 leather corals(also great). I like it running as a nutrient rich tank. And have just been taking water samples to LFS.-everything tests fine
Would like to have test kit that's more of an all in one, (has everything I need) where I don't have to buy pieces here and there.....
Thanks

 

[Mordie101]

I need opinions on ( best.... most useful) test kit for me. It's just a 16 gallon Biocube with 3 fish, anemones, 1 candy cane (that's not doing so hot) 2 goniopora (doing great) 2 leather corals(also great). I like it running as a nutrient rich tank. And have just been taking water samples to LFS.-everything tests fine
Would like to have test kit that's more of an all in one, (has everything I need) where I don't have to buy pieces here and there.....
Thanks

I use these in my 16g biocube! They are in no way lab equipment but i use them to judge if levels are rising or lowering more than the last weeks. Would love to see your cube! I’ve got a build thread for mine!

 

[GoVols]

JMO... and can't recommend an all in one.

So, Here we go...

Cal / API or Salifert
Alk / Hanna Alk checker, but API will sure do the job
Mag / Salifert (And stay away from the Red Sea Pro mag kit)
Nitrates / Salifert
Phosphates / Hanna ULR cheker, but switching to Elos down the road

 

[VR28man]

API? Doesn’t almost every single thread where people are measuring wrong usually end up showing that they’re using an API kit?

A professional I know uses Salifert only. I use Salifert and Hanna. Lamotte supposedly is even easier to use for alkalinity than Salifert and just as accurate. ETA: I'm, sure red sea is perfectly fine as well.

 

[xiholdtruex]

I personally like the salifert so far. I use the api for basic cycling testing for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph. For phosphate I use the salifert. For calcium, alk and mag I have not used any yet so I cannot put my input yet.

 

[rob safron]

Your going to get 50 different answers. For me:
Alk-Hanna or salifert
Ca- Salifert or Aquaforest works well
Mag- same as Ca
Phos-Hanna low, hands down
Nitrate- Nyos for higher level, Salifert for ultra low level

 

[Hitman]

Salifert for everything except PO4, I use a Hanna for my PO4 as my eyes can’t read the change with the Salifert.

 

[TangingOut]

I've used lots and these are my favorites that I currently use. Better to piece together an arsenal.

Cal Red sea pro
Alk Hanna checker w/ salifert backup
Mag Salifert
Phosphate Hanna ULR
Nitrate Salifert

 

[Tbyram]

I’m partially color blind so I use Hanna for almost everything. I use Red Sea for Mag/ Calc and trace elements like iodine,iron, etc. The Red Sea uses titration and rapid color change do I can see it.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Alk, ca, mag all salifert

No3 and po4 red sea

Salinity i use a refractometer.

Have a couple other test kits for other parameters but rarely if ever use them.

Sidenote
I disdain the api no3 test, my arm feels like its going to fall off by the time i am done shaking the test tube.