What test kit(s) should I buy?

Volcmreefer · Mar 5, 2016

Hello there, my name is Jon. I am in the process of setting up a 75 gallon SPS dominated reef. I have had a reef tank before but have been out of the hobby for about 7 years now. I was wondering what test kits would be the most accurate for a reef? What test kits do you use? In the past i used Salifert but I see many options out there in the community. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance and Happy Reefing!

Jon

Wilsoni · Mar 5, 2016

Salifert is still a solid option IMO.

PaReeferJ · Mar 5, 2016

I use Red Sea reef foundation pro

redwingrob40 · Mar 5, 2016

+1 for salifert. Started with salifert and then I used the Red Sea pro for a while. Both are good test kits IMO. The Elos and Nyos are supposed to be pretty good as well, but I have never tried them. I think in the end it kinda boils down to personal preference as most produce acceptable results.

Volcmreefer · Mar 5, 2016

I remember Salifert being a little tedious to use. Is there something easier out there that will produce accurate results. Hanna has a checker line and it looks easy to use but is it accurate?

redwingrob40 · Mar 5, 2016

Volcmreefer said:
I remember Salifert being a little tedious to use. Is there something easier out there that will produce accurate results. Hanna has a checker line and it looks easy to use but is it accurate?

IMO the salifert and Red Sea are very similar in terms of ease of use. As for other brands I can't speak on those as I haven't used them. The only Hanna that I have is the ulr phosphorous and it is fairly simple to use, I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts on other Hanna checkers and brands.

JimWelsh · Mar 5, 2016

Salifert for alkalinity, Ca, and Mg. Elos Phosphate Pro for PO4 (although Nyos look similar, but I've never used it).

Greenstreet.1 · Mar 5, 2016

Salifert

Blue Lip · Mar 5, 2016

Salifert test are good. Red sea is also good.

pandimus · Mar 5, 2016

Easy
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/234660/

Volcmreefer · Mar 5, 2016

Thanks for the feedback guys. Greatly appreciated.

drernesto · Mar 5, 2016

Salifert for everything except phosphates... I use Hanna checker. Salifert phosphates test didn't give me accurate results

tcarter1936 · Mar 6, 2016

Fwiw. Salifert has been easiest for be to read especially ph since I'm color blind I struggle with color comparison. And the ph is very readable for me. Also ime salifert alk is a great titration test. The only test I get questionable results from are api. Again just my experience and opinion.