Which reef test kit should I purchase? ??

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 1, 2016

I've been into reefing and saltwater for years now and haven't really test My parameters myself and with my new tank and setup, I want to get it right all the time now and do it myself. I'm looking for a wide range test kit to check all my levels. Any and all suggestions are appreciated greatly ! Thank you

and here's my new 72 bowfront that is now roughly almost a week into its first set up cycle

fishman77 · Mar 1, 2016

Good luck with the tank. I would go with a skimmer in the sump when you are ready to upgrade. I find the salifert test kits accurate and easy to use.

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 1, 2016

fishman77 said:
Good luck with the tank. I would go with a skimmer in the sump when you are ready to upgrade. I find the salifert test kits accurate and easy to use.

There is one, look left on skimmer. In the dark lol

dacianb · Mar 1, 2016

Salifert are widely recognized as accurate. Personally I cannot read out PH test from salifert and I am using a RedSea test as well.
For low nitrate range I tested and compared salifert and red sea tests and were both at same level.
For Ca, Mg and Kh I am using a Red Sea test kit (3 in one box).
Be sure that your salinity is OK and dont rely on floating arm devices to measure it. Ca, Mg and Kh can vary a lot due to salinity level.

Duke4Life · Mar 1, 2016

Avoid API as they are not accurate as the others.

aquamn1999 · Mar 1, 2016

Salifert for Ca, Mg and Kh
Hanna for phosphate low range

AdamNC · Mar 1, 2016

I use Red Sea for all my testing except ph with is monitored through my Apex. Quite happy with it with no real complaints once I learned how to use the test kits.

fishman77 · Mar 1, 2016

I see the skimmer lol I meant upgrading for an insump skimmer which are better than the hang on ones. I used to have the same one years ago and it can create a mess with it overflowing.

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 1, 2016

fishman77 said:
I see the skimmer lol I meant upgrading for an insump skimmer which are better than the hang on ones. I used to have the same one years ago and it can create a mess with it overflowing.

Good to know. And you mean collection cup overflow?

fishman77 · Mar 1, 2016

Yeah the collection cup can overflow so keep an eye on it.

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 1, 2016

Will do, thank you !

john.m.cole3 · Mar 3, 2016

I'm setting up a 72 gallon bow front as we speak. I use Salford test kits and the Hannah ultra low range phosphate checker as well. Where did you get your rock from, I like your aquascape. What kind of power has are you going to put in the displayed to ink for flow?

steiger33 · Mar 3, 2016

What about the NYOS test kit?

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 3, 2016

john.m.cole3 said:
I'm setting up a 72 gallon bow front as we speak. I use Salford test kits and the Hannah ultra low range phosphate checker as well. Where did you get your rock from, I like your aquascape. What kind of power has are you going to put in the displayed to ink for flow?

I made my own aquascape! I used live rock and molded it together with hydraulic cement. I like nit as well. Lots of surface area for coral and bridges as well! But leaves plenty of swimming room for the fish. And I used a spray bar I made for the return , and I'm using a pondmaster 950 gal per hour for the return in the sump.