Popular test kits

[Jakepen]

Hey guys, wondering what test kits you use and have success with. Was looking at the Hanna testers for alk and possibly phosphate...

 

[aaron23]

i wouldnt go with hanna checkers only the phosphate. use salifert they are extremely reliable

 

[McMullen]

I would totally go with Hanna! I've been using the Alk checker for a little over two years with great success. Even with their recent "accident," I still love it. Easy to use with a digital number read out!

Oh and I have a SPS dominant tank; I depend on the results given!

I use the Ultra Low Phospahte Hanna as well.

 

[aaron23]

i have an sps dominant tank as well but their product quality is bad. so go with salifert simple.

 

[McMullen]

To each his own!

 

[All Delight]

quick and easy I like api for alk, but when I'm serious I use red sea.

 

[Jakepen]

Hah I feel like this is a very debatable topic, love it!
Mainly looking for accuracy, ease of use, and longevity I guess. Something worth the money, that will last a while.

 

[McMullen]

@Jakepen, I honestly don't believe there is a "best." You will have great results picking any of the popular brands. They all have their merits and none are perfect. I simply recommend Hannah because that's what I've been using for the last 2 1/2 years. I use salifert for Ca+, why? No other reason than it was less expensive than others at the time of purchase.

My philosophy on testing tank parameters is simply maintaining a narrow acceptable range, not obsessively chasing a single number.

 

[AdamNC]

I use Red Sea for all my testing. Once you figure the tests out they are quite simple to use and fairly accurate as far as hobby grade test kits go.

 

[Jakepen]

Thanks guys, just wanted to know a few popular brands. I'll look into them tonight. Getting the last few items on my list.

 

[Sabellafella]

I use hannah and redsea for alk. Red sea and elos for calc, nyos and red sea for mag, nyos and red sea for nitrate. Elos and hannah for phosphate. Hannah for phosphorous. Salifert for potassium .All the test including salifert( i have them also) were all off by ALOT so i dont kno who to trust , red sea is my backup, as everything else listed above were the closest to my triton test

 

[Jakepen]

Test kits are pricey...

 

[Jakepen]

What all do I need exactly? Should I buy Red Sea kits, or individual tests?

 

[PatW]

For quick and dirty, API for calcium and alkalinity.

Red Sea pro is good for nitrate at low levels 0 to 5 ppm. Red Sea is also good for ammonia.

I have not used Salifert but their kits are highly regarded.

 

[Jakepen]

Should I go with something like this http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-marine-care-test-kit.html

 

[Jakepen]

I guess I'm not sure all what I need.

 

[Jakepen]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-calcium-pro-test-kit.html Than this for calcium? Or a Hanna

 

[Jakepen]

To piece everything together from Red Sea, I'll be looking at well over $100. Which is do able, just seems so expensive for test kits.