Reef test kits...

[Luka]

Hey guys I am looking for some reef test kits to test alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. I read mixed reviews about API and the Red Sea. I don't want to go to over the top price wise like probly around $70 is my max. So what's a good test kit? Should I buy the single test for each? Also is there anything else I am missing for testing? I was also looking at the Hanna but that's$60 alone just for phosphate.

 

[BryanS4]

Test kits can get pricey no doubt. Below is what I use.

Alk- Hanna and RedSea
CA- RedSea
Mg- RedSea
No3- RedSea
PO4- Hanna

I got the RedSea Pro test kit which includes the first three listed from my LFS for 40, which is cheaper than its listed for online. Imo, you're better off saving up some money for better test kits.

 

[jason2459]

There's lots of options and opinions out there but except for a few I've found most all hobby grade test kits more then accurate enough.

I've done a few threads on several test kit comparisons and thinking of doing a "big 3" Alk, Cal, Mg next.

Nitrate Test Kit Shoot out: NYOS Salifert RedSea API
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nitrate-test-kit-shoot-out-nyos-salifert-redsea-api.221323/

PO4 Phosphate Test Kit Shoot out: NYOS Elos Pro Salifert Hanna Checkers Seachem
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/p...s-pro-salifert-hanna-checkers-seachem.222628/

Triton vs. Aquamedic AWT vs. Hobbyist kits API Salifert Elos RedSea Hanna etc
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t...ts-api-salifert-elos-redsea-hanna-etc.222909/

Hobbyist vs. Triton testing
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/hobbyist-vs-triton-testing.221320/

Me Personally, I like and use:
Salinity: Veegee Refractometer is my favorite. But also use a pinpoint probe, apex probe, and a Milwaukee digital

pH: my hanna handheld I've had for years is my favorite. I also use 2 apex probes

Temp: my hanna handheld. And also have 3 apex temp probes and a Ranco.

ORP: my hanna handheld and also tracking with an apex probe.

Alk: API as it's so easy, cheap, and has been very consistent for me and I don't require any more resolution than it provides. Salifert would be my next go to or if needing higher resolution.

Calcium: API also same as above for Alk as why and Salifert would be my next go to as well.

Mg: Salifert as it's been the most consistent for me and made for aquarium saltwater. Red Sea Mg has been the worse test kit I've ever used.

Phosphate: Hach but its expensive so I use and get consistent results with my Hanna ULR phosphorus egg. Elos PO4 Pro is a good option as well.

Nitrate: API has been good enough for me but changing to Salifert so I don't have to shake the snot out of bottle 2 anymore. Salifert easily and quickly tells me if I'm in my target range. If I ever cared to get into ULNS I'd go Red Sea Pro Nitrate.

For everything else I don't care to much about but to test for once or twice a year Triton

And for what parameters should be in check out the sticky above
Optimal Parameters for a Coral Reef Aquarium

By Randy Holmes-Farley
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/o...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/

 

[KingTriton]

I think Jason is right on the money with this one.

 

[Luka]

Okay thanks guys... I have Api ph tester have u ever used it? Any good or should I get an upgrade?

Think I am going to go with what Jason said above but the po4 testers are pricey.

 

[jason2459]

Okay thanks guys... I have Api ph tester have u ever used it? Any good or should I get an upgrade?

Think I am going to go with what Jason said above but the po4 testers are pricey.

API pH and Phosphates are in that "but except for a few" category that are terrible. It's not API's fault really as it does it's intended job fine. It is just not made for our reef aquarium needs.

For pH I would recommend some kind of probe that can be calibrated to at least 7 and 10 calibration solutions.

The Hanna 736 ULR checker does have a higher up front cost but that is offset by just buying the reagents after that in the long run.