Test Kits

chris489 · Oct 7, 2015

Hi guys.
Been in to a couple of LFS and they're both recommending different test kits. One is saying Salifert and the other JBL Marin. I currently have API which I have found to be inaccurate when testing for nitrates.
The LFS who recommends JBL say that Salifert, API and Red Sea are all very inaccurate!
What are your thoughts?

143MPCo · Oct 7, 2015

Salifert has been around for yrs and makes very dependable test kits, you might want to look at redsea, hanna, and Nyos also.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 7, 2015

What is it you want to measure?

I'd suggesting electing specific test brands and methods for specific uses, rather than an entire brand line for every possible kit they make. I'd also likely never buy a "master" test kit that has lots of tests you'll hardly ever use.

That said, I would not agree with the idea that Salifert, API and Red Sea are all very inaccurate.

tcoyle · Oct 7, 2015

I use Hanna for Alk and Phosphate, Red Sea Pro for Nitrate, Calcium and Magnesium.

chris489 · Oct 7, 2015

I measure for Ammonia, ph, Nitrate, Nitrite, phosphate and dkh. Will occasionally measure calcium.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 7, 2015

IMO, I wouldn't bother to get a nitrite kit. Even in cycling, it is only a "fun" to watch item, and never is a concern in any operating reef tank (it is also not toxic in marine systems).

Ammonia is of interest in cycling, or perhaps in QT tank. Again, not much interest there for an operating reef aquarium. But it doesn't hurt to have one.

I also would not get a pH kit, as a meter is a far better bet. There's no easy way to check a pH kit for accuracy.

A number of folks are starting to use meters like the Hanna and more recently the Exact iDip. The Hanna is, IMO, especiallu useful for phosphate.

For alkalinity (dKH), calcium, and magnesium, I think the Red Sea and Salifert are likely fine choices.

I've not heard of many experiences with the JBL to judge.

Nitrate kits are notoriously problematic for people. There are lots of threads of people with two kits that give different answers.

Stigigemla · Oct 7, 2015

There is a reason why the nitrate test kits have such a low resolution on the comparision chart.
If we take Salifert as an example (which i use) it has color stripes for 0, 2, 5 ppm and so on.
It is possible to increase the sensitivity 10 times by looking at the test from the side but that´s all.
And normally that is good enough. But the test is not made for reading values like 1,14. For normal aquarium use the value 1 or less than 2,5 is good.
The only problem i see with the test is that it is highly sensitive for nitrite. But if you only use it before feeding that is of no concern in established tanks.