Test kit for a newbie.

[Djmike]

I am now looking at test kits. There are so many out there. Ive seen the Red Sea Pro kit which looks like an all in one kit. Is this the way to go? Not necessarily that brand but an all in one? Ive seen many brands and many price fluctuations. Is it kinda you get what you pay for?
Mike

 

[reeferfoxx]

I am now looking at test kits. There are so many out there. Ive seen the Red Sea Pro kit which looks like an all in one kit. Is this the way to go? Not necessarily that brand but an all in one? Ive seen many brands and many price fluctuations. Is it kinda you get what you pay for?
Mike

Some might suggest getting all of the same. However, i would like to say that some companies make some things better than others. For instance, my tests kits are not all from the same company. Best thing to do is look on youtube, and look for comparison videos. Also, look up which ones are easiest and accurate.

For example..
API alk test = easiest of all but not accurate
Salifert alk test = slightly harder but still easy with more accuracy

Phosphate testing is a pain.
Salifert phosphate = pain in the rear(imo)
Hanna phosphate checker = easier but more expensive

But if I were to put these in order of best (from my experience). Just look at reviews also

Salifert
Red sea
Hanna
Nyos
API(only for general purpose of gaining insight and not accuracy)

LaMotte is suppose to be the best, but way out of my price range, unfortunately.

 

[Salty1962]

If you have the budget, Hanna testers are spot on. Red Sea are also good. Focus on Kh, Ca and Mg. The Po4 tester is good as well.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Bump

 

[scfurse77]

Go with Red Sea or Salifert, I went with API at first because i was new and it was by far the best deal. But you'll just end up replacing them.

 

[tom39]

If you are looking for a starting out basic test kit or a 1 kit does most, then I would suggest the Red Sea Marine care test kit. IMO it is easy to use and fairly accurate.
HIH
Tom G

 

[p7willm]

Different tests from different companies are the way to go IMHO.

The Hanna alk tester is simple and digital. All the others have you adding multiple reagents and counting drops until the color changes.

Some of the other hanna testers have questionable reviews and other potential problems. The others are all fairly similar but you should take a look at you tube. One red sea requires you to add 1 drop, wait 15 seconds, add 1 drop, etc. for 5 drops. Not a problem once but every time you test? A lot have you decide which color is closer. If you are color blind I hope you have a friend. Plus some are harder to match colors than others. Some have a better reputation for accuracy.

Whatever tests you decide on follow the instructions! Its not rocket science but it is chemistry and not swirling for the 60 seconds it says to may throw the results off by 100%.

 

[Brian Treadwell]

I agree , it is not rocket science , but I do look like a chemist when ever I test water , I use only Red Sea and the colors are hard to desifer but they are good kits. And you do have to follow the instructions

 

[ReefToLive1]

+1 for Red Sea