Some questions about some test kits

[death-by-reef]

I was planning to use the Red Sea test kit, but noticed how cheap the API reef master kit was this is my first kit and this is for a budget build so idk which one to get. Opinions?

 

[Ron Reefman]

A lot of people knock API test kits. IMHO they are very close to being just as good as Red Sea or my go to brand Salifert. I used API for many years and never had ant issues. I can afford better now so I use Salifert. When I made the switch I tested the API results against the Salifert results and they came out the same every time (dozens of test comparisons).
The only real difference is the API test kits do not have as fine a scale as the others, but that really does NOT make them less accurate!

If budget is an issue, use the API and you'll be fine. The biggest issue I think people have with test kits of any kind, is not doing the tests carefully and exactly the same way every time.

 

[Steven Garland]

I know it can look enticing but I would go with Salifert. Testing equipment is not something you want to skip out on.

You are talking about the measuring things in your tanks water that you are about to spend hundreds and hundreds on to fill with coral. Do risk it to save a few bucks,seriously.

Plus,this has been covered about 1000x already.

 

[death-by-reef]

ok ty

 

[mrpontiac80]

I’m my opinion.. API no matter how accurate or inaccurate it is, is much harder to determine the color of the sample next to the chart. Maybe it’s the glass vile they use or the many shades that are not too different from one another.
I like the Red Sea tests. They are easier to read. I’ve never used salifert.
It didn’t take long and I decided Hannah was my go to for Alk, Nitrate, and Phosphates. The rest I test with Red Sea.

and I 100% love the magnetic test stirrer. It is cheap and makes testing so much faster and accurate for me when using Red Sea.

 

[TokenReefer]

Check the expiration date on any kit you buy. Bad kit/reagent have fooled me before. Some of those big kits sitting around may not be the best if they've been there a while

 

[death-by-reef]

ok thanks for your opinion, im probably going to go w/ redsea despite cost

 

[TokenReefer]

You won't regret spending a little more now instead of rebuying the same like I did

 

[death-by-reef]

so tru

 

[Crazy35111]

I use the API tests when cycling a tank, then switch to Red Sea once it is cycled. API is cheap and quick for the daily checks on ammonia, nitrate and nitrite

 

[Rmckoy]

I personally prefer salifert for nitrate , magnesium and calcium

you might find Red Sea a pain with at what point it changes to the proper colour

Alk and phosphates I use Hanna

 

[death-by-reef]

at this point ima check how much salifert costs and that might be my choice

 

[14 foot reef]

I think choosing your test kit is better served by which brand is best (and easiest) to use on each thing your testing. If a test is accurate and very complicated to use, you most likely want test as often as you should. And if its easy and not accurate, what's the point of using it. So choose wisely with a combination or ease and accuracy.
maybe try watching this and see if it helps make a decision.

 

[Homey D. Clownfish]

I’m my opinion.. API no matter how accurate or inaccurate it is, is much harder to determine the color of the sample next to the chart. Maybe it’s the glass vile they use or the many shades that are not too different from one another.
I like the Red Sea tests. They are easier to read. I’ve never used salifert.
It didn’t take long and I decided Hannah was my go to for Alk, Nitrate, and Phosphates. The rest I test with Red Sea.

and I 100% love the magnetic test stirrer. It is cheap and makes testing so much faster and accurate for me when using Red Sea.

Yes, a thousand thumbs up on the magnetic test stirrer. I use it for Red Sea as well as Aquaforest. It’s a god-send for tests requiring titration, and it will make your life much easier.

 

[Steven Garland]

Salifert usually run $20 +/- for most test kits besides PH which is like $10-$12.

 

[vaguelyreeflike]

I was planning to use the Red Sea test kit, but noticed how cheap the API reef master kit was this is my first kit and this is for a budget build so idk which one to get. Opinions?

I like the Fluval/Nutrafin kit personally for the basics. dont have experience with API saltwater but hate their freshwater kit compared to Fluval now, and fluval can be used on all my tanks salt or fresh.
Other than that, Hanna checkers for alk/cal/copper and salifert for magnesium personally.