Test Kits

FishGuyBri · Feb 4, 2017

Once my API test kit runs out, what do you all recommend for the majors? I do have an apex but I don't rely on it completely... I've read many threads but wanted an updated poll

pH - Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate
DKH - Mg - PO4 - Ca - any others...

The API will be replaced with something.
I have Hanna for DKH and Calcium

Anything else recommended? Plans are for a mostly LPS, invert, Small to medium fish, but more focus on coral eventually...

ebushrow · Feb 4, 2017

I would suggest salifert. Nitrate, and pH. I know the apex has a probe but you need to be sure that itbis calibrated as well. I would suggest a Hanna tester for phosphate....these are your basics...you probably will want a magnesium kit as well (from salifert)....not needed immediately but worth having. If you can find them Nyos makes really good kits, but salifert is easier to come by for most.

FishGuyBri · Feb 4, 2017

ebushrow said:
I would suggest salifert. Nitrate, and pH. I know the apex has a probe but you need to be sure that itbis calibrated as well. I would suggest a Hanna tester for phosphate....these are your basics...you probably will want a magnesium kit as well (from salifert)....not needed immediately but worth having. If you can find them Nyos makes really good kits, but salifert is easier to come by for most.

Thanks. I was thinking Salifert would be the way to go. The API just seems so cheap and the ranges aren't specific enough for me.

ebushrow · Feb 4, 2017

MacQac said:
Thanks. I was thinking Salifert would be the way to go. The API just seems so cheap and the ranges aren't specific enough for me.

The API are good for when you are cycling the tank....but they are very inaccurate for anything outside of ammonia or nitrite....IME.... salifert are the " gold standard" I guess for most reefers....although as I said there are a few others that are really goood, but harder to get locally...the Hanna is the way to go for your alk, calcium, and po4 though!

jsker · Feb 4, 2017

I like the simplicity of Red Sea. Nice cards not paper, good storage boxes. Also when buy the read sea refills works out to be less then the rest.

Smo · Feb 4, 2017

jsker said:
I like the simplicity of Red Sea. Nice cards not paper, good storage boxes. Also when buy the read sea refills works out to be less then the rest.

I am pretty sold on the Red Sea test kits too. Reliable and appear pretty accurate.

GoVols · Feb 4, 2017

This is what I use
Cal = Red Sea Pro
Alk = Red Sea Pro
Mag = Salifert
Phos = Hanna Phosphorus ULR checker
Nitrate = Salifert

GoVols · Feb 4, 2017

MacQac said:
The API just seems so cheap and the ranges aren't specific enough for me.

+1
API is more of a ballpark reading... JMO

jsker · Feb 4, 2017

Smo said:
I am pretty sold on the Red Sea test kits too. Reliable and appear pretty accurate.

That is all one needs.

GoVols · Feb 4, 2017

jsker said:
That is all one needs.

+1
Red Sea Kits are very good

GoVols · Feb 4, 2017

One note on the Red Sea Pro alk kit.
The endpoint on the card shows red.
The red just means a final color change. If your color ends at a peach / orange it's still accurate as the endpoint.
Red Sea needs to update their video

bfsaunde · Feb 4, 2017

Nitrate - Lamotte-expensive but highly rated and I've used it for 6 years. Refills are available
Calcium - Red Sea Pro
Alkalinity- Hanna checker (love)
Phosphate - Hanna low level checker (hate the powder packs but works great)
Mag -Nyos (switched from Red Sea Pro because it was consistently reading 300 ppm high)

Cary Meredith · Feb 4, 2017

Ok, so what do you use for salinity? I am curious.

bfsaunde · Feb 4, 2017

ATC refractometer. not sure of the brand. I've had it for 14 years.

FishGuyBri · Feb 4, 2017

Looks like a good plan.. I'm stealing the ideas- it seems from all of your experiences that a mix of kits is best.

As for salinity, I use a Refracrometer I got from BRS.

I also have an apex that watches salinity but my issues with microbubbles causes it to be off constantly...

Cary Meredith · Feb 4, 2017

bfsaunde said:
ATC refractometer. not sure of the brand. I've had it for 14 years.

+1 I just bought mine 120% worth the investment, don't be cheap like I was, spend the $40 dollars and get an accurate reading, I was running way high

bfsaunde · Feb 4, 2017

Cary Meredith said:
+1 I just bought mine 120% worth the investment, don't be cheap like I was, spend the $40 dollars and get an accurate reading, I was running way high

Oh my, they've come down quite a bit. I think the cheapest one could get when I purchased mine was $100. I think I paid 120 for mine. I use calibration solution and check it way too often. It's just so old, I'm cautious.

Smo · Feb 4, 2017

Be sure to use a quality 35 ppt calibration fluid too.

Luke Schnabel · Feb 4, 2017

i really like the red sea reef foundation test kits for cal, alk and mag. Sailifert for everything else.

GoVols · Feb 4, 2017

I use a regular $40 refractometer and keep it calibrated at 35.
Don't use RODI and zero it out for calibration. It will not be accurate. Been there and done that. Got lazy started using RODI for 3 months. Bought some 35 solution and calibrated. Thought my display was at 1.025 SG. After calibration with 35 fluid I was really at 1.021 SG

Now with RH-F's blessing

I stored my newly mixed water change water after I used the 35 calibration for future calibration without paying $10 a bottle.

See Link...

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/refractometer-calibration-fluid-question.285469/