What Test Kit To Use?
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Crabs McJones
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The Red Sea and Salifert kits are the best in my opinion. I currently use the Salifert, but have heard great things about the Red Sea as well. And for Alkalinity I cannot recommend the Hanna Marine Alkalinity checker more. There isn't a more easier to use test kit for testing alkalinity.
I use Salifert for Calcium & Magnesium. API for KH/Alkalinity. Every 6 month or so I'll have my LFS test my Nitrates, but that's about it.
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Montiman
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You will hear a variety of opinions here. I think the API are good for the tests you have. Some would prefer a higher end nitrate test kit but unless you are running an ULNS then the API nitrate should be fine.
You did not mention pH I think it is nice to have a colormetric pH test on hand I use salifert or API but there are plenty of good ones.
I would recommend Ca Alk and Mag there are many good brands but I think the best value is to get the RedSea Foundation Pro kit that includes all 3. I would also recommend a PO4 test kit the Hanna checker is unanimously considered the best but I have used salifert for years and been happy.
You did not mention pH I think it is nice to have a colormetric pH test on hand I use salifert or API but there are plenty of good ones.
I would recommend Ca Alk and Mag there are many good brands but I think the best value is to get the RedSea Foundation Pro kit that includes all 3. I would also recommend a PO4 test kit the Hanna checker is unanimously considered the best but I have used salifert for years and been happy.
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Agreed. After using Red Sea for some time I tried API and this video about sums up exactly how I felt about API:
Zeal
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Time to buy one of these!
I use a mixture of red sea and salifert.
I like salifert for alk, ca, mg.
Red Sea pro for nitrate.
Hanna low range po4 is the best phosphate test. Initially more expensive but evens out after just buying refills evens itself out. I have gotten used to the red sea test, i honestly had a very hard time discerning the shade of blue on the salifert po4 test. Quicker than the red sea, but much harder to read.
I like salifert for alk, ca, mg.
Red Sea pro for nitrate.
Hanna low range po4 is the best phosphate test. Initially more expensive but evens out after just buying refills evens itself out. I have gotten used to the red sea test, i honestly had a very hard time discerning the shade of blue on the salifert po4 test. Quicker than the red sea, but much harder to read.
